plate no. 8333

Clarissa Seymour (later Mrs. Truman Marsh)

oilRococoportraitportraitfigurelandscapetreesdresssky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric textures. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth in a landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the proportions and placement of the figure and landscape.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background landscape, focusing on creating a sense of depth.
step 03
Roughly sketch the figure's pose and clothing, paying attention to the folds and drapery.
step 04
Establish the basic skin tones and facial features, focusing on accurate proportions and values.
step 05
Develop the details of the dress, including the lace pattern and the contrast between the pink and white fabrics.
step 06
Add the black ribbon and other accessories, paying attention to their texture and form.
step 07
Refine the facial features and add highlights and shadows to create a sense of volume.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values to create a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · burnt umber · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · sap green · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of pink by combining cadmium red and titanium white. Use burnt umber and ivory black to create the dark tones in the background and clothing. Mix greens with yellow ochre and ultramarine blue.

techniques