plate no. 9969

Dutch writer Ina Boudier-Bakker

Isaac Israels, 1934

oilImpressionismportraitportraitwomanhairclothingfacecollar

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and creating soft, impressionistic brushstrokes. It also provides practice in mixing skin tones and rendering fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, shoulders, and background.
step 02
Establish the main value areas with thin washes of color, focusing on the overall light and shadow patterns.
step 03
Begin building up the skin tones, using subtle variations of color and value to create form.
step 04
Define the features of the face, paying attention to the shapes of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Add details to the hair and clothing, using loose brushstrokes to suggest texture and form.
step 06
Refine the background, blending the colors to create a soft, atmospheric effect.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Mix skin tones using white, burnt sienna, raw umber, and a touch of red. Use ultramarine blue and raw umber to create the dark tones in the clothing and hair. Add yellow ochre to white for highlights.

techniques