plate no. 6708

Double portrait

oil, canvasRomanticismportraitportraitfiguresdressframedraperycolumns

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate rendering of skin tones and facial features, as well as depicting fabric textures and folds with subtle variations in light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a detailed sketch outlining the composition, focusing on accurate proportions and placement of figures and objects.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors, starting with the background and larger areas like the drapery and clothing.
step 03
Develop the skin tones by layering thin glazes of color, paying close attention to highlights and shadows.
step 04
Refine the details of the faces, including the eyes, nose, and mouth, using small brushes and precise strokes.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, such as the lace trim and folds in the fabric, using a variety of brushstrokes.
step 06
Paint the frame with careful attention to the details and highlights to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 07
Glaze the painting to unify the colors and create a smooth, polished finish.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · emerald green · burnt umber

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and small amounts of red and umber. Create the green drapery by mixing blue and yellow, adjusting the proportions for different shades.

techniques