plate no. 4869

Dreaming

oilImpressionismportraitportraitfigureprofilefoliagehairdress

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing, and creating soft, atmospheric effects with visible brushstrokes. It's a good exercise in capturing subtle light and shadow on a face and clothing.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure and background.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme with a thin wash of green and blue tones.
step 03
Block in the dark areas of the hair and background.
step 04
Begin layering in the skin tones, focusing on the subtle shifts in color and value.
step 05
Add the details of the dress, using light blues and whites to suggest folds and highlights.
step 06
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Add final details to the background foliage, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 08
Adjust values and colors as needed to create a cohesive and harmonious composition.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Titanium White · Burnt Sienna

secondary · Yellow Ochre · Cadmium Red Light · Viridian

Mix greens by combining Prussian Blue and Yellow Ochre, and soften with white. Skin tones are achieved by blending Burnt Sienna, Cadmium Red Light, and white, with touches of blue or green for shadows.

techniques