plate no. 7140

Daphne by the Window, Northern Ireland

Stanley Spencer, 1952

oilNeo-Romanticismportraitportraitfigureinteriorwindowhairclothing

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing subtle skin tones and rendering realistic fabric textures. It also provides practice in creating depth through layering and careful observation of light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in the main areas of color.
step 03
Begin layering skin tones, paying close attention to subtle variations in color and value.
step 04
Develop the details of the hair, using small brushstrokes to create texture and volume.
step 05
Render the clothing, focusing on the folds and shadows to create a sense of depth.
step 06
Add details to the background, maintaining a balance between detail and simplification.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · alizarin crimson

secondary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · cadmium red light

Skin tones are achieved through subtle mixes of white, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and alizarin crimson. Use ultramarine blue and raw umber to create cooler shadows. The pink tie is a mix of alizarin crimson and titanium white.

techniques