plate no. 7178

Edwina Mountbatten, Countess Mountbatten of Burma

Philip de Laszlo, 1924

oilImpressionismportraitportraitfigurewomandresshairface

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering soft, diffused lighting. It also provides practice in blending and layering colors to create subtle tonal variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic proportions and pose of the figure, paying attention to the placement of the head, shoulders, and hands.
step 02
Establish the overall warm background tone with a thin wash of color.
step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow on the face and body using a limited palette of earth tones.
step 04
Refine the facial features, focusing on capturing the likeness and expression of the subject.
step 05
Develop the drapery and clothing, paying attention to the folds and textures.
step 06
Add subtle color variations and highlights to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Soften edges and blend colors to create a sense of atmosphere and unity.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue · viridian

Achieve skin tones by mixing burnt umber, raw sienna, and titanium white, with small amounts of alizarin crimson for warmth and ultramarine blue for cool shadows. Use yellow ochre to brighten highlights.

techniques