plate no. 3157

Deborah Hall

oilRococoportraitportraitfiguredressgardenrosestable

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric textures, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective in the background.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to proportions and placement of the figure and key elements.
step 02
Establish the background with broad washes of color, creating depth through atmospheric perspective.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, focusing on the overall form and proportions of the dress.
step 04
Develop the skin tones, using subtle variations in color to create a realistic effect.
step 05
Add details to the dress, including the lace, ruffles, and floral patterns.
step 06
Paint the roses and other details on the table, paying attention to their form and color.
step 07
Refine the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · rose madder · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · sap green · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix rose madder and white for the dress, adding small amounts of yellow ochre and ivory black to create variations in tone. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, and sap green and yellow ochre for the foliage.

techniques

·portraiture
·fabric rendering
·atmospheric perspective
·glazing
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
→Overworking the details of the dress.
→Failing to create a sense of depth in the background.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 18x24
·Oil paints (rose madder, titanium white, ivory black, sap green, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags