plate no. 2020

Countess Wilhelmine von Brandenburg Bayreuth

oilRococoportraitportraitfiguredogclothingbooksmusic sheets

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of skin tones, as well as practice in depicting complex textures like lace and fur.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions of the figure and the placement of key elements.
step 02
Establish the background with broad, blended strokes of dark browns and grays.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, including the dress, face, and hands, using simplified color values.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the highlights and shadows to create form.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, including the lace, ribbons, and fur, using smaller brushes and more precise strokes.
step 06
Paint the dog, focusing on capturing its unique expression and fur texture.
step 07
Add the books and music sheets, paying attention to their perspective and detail.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and adding final details to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · cadmium red light · raw umber

secondary · yellow ochre · viridian · alizarin crimson

Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, cadmium red light, and yellow ochre. Darken shadows with raw umber and a touch of ivory black. Create the deep blacks of the dress by mixing ivory black with a touch of alizarin crimson.

techniques