plate no. 8652

Edna, (Mrs Oscar Mendelsohn)

Max Meldrum, 1942

oilTonalismportraitportraitfigureclothinghairfaceperson

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in capturing likeness through careful observation of values and color temperature. Students will develop skills in portraiture and rendering fabric patterns.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch to establish the basic proportions and composition.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of dark brown.
step 03
Establish the main value masses of the face and clothing using a limited palette.
step 04
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the subtle shifts in value and color.
step 05
Add details to the clothing pattern, focusing on capturing the shapes and colors accurately.
step 06
Soften edges and blend transitions to create a sense of form and depth.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the subject.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition and color harmony.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · ivory black

Mix various skin tones by blending white, yellow ochre, and cadmium red light with small amounts of raw umber and ultramarine blue. Use raw umber and ivory black to create the dark background.

techniques