plate no. 0011
Clara (Clara J. Mather)
Thomas Eakins, 1900
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and subtle value transitions to create form. It also provides practice in capturing a likeness and conveying mood through facial expression.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, neck, and shoulders.
- step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow with a thin wash of burnt umber.
- step 03
Begin blocking in the skin tones, focusing on the subtle shifts in value.
- step 04
Refine the features of the face, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 05
Add details to the hair, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 06
Paint the dress, using darker values to create depth and shadow.
- step 07
Blend the edges of the forms to create a soft, natural look.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · titanium white · burnt umber · yellow ochre
secondary · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson
Mix skin tones by combining titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt umber. Use ultramarine blue and alizarin crimson to create subtle variations in the shadows.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·value study
- ·blending
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions wrong, especially the placement of the eyes and nose.
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the initial brushstrokes.
- →Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
- →Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-grain canvas will provide a good surface for the paint to adhere to.
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