plate no. 9200

Elizabeth Wignell

oilRomanticismportraitportraitchildcolumnfigureclothinghair

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions, subtle color mixing for skin tones, and rendering soft, diffused lighting. Students will also learn about creating depth through layering and blending.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, column, and background.
step 02
Establish the main light and shadow areas with a thin wash of color.
step 03
Begin layering in skin tones, focusing on subtle color variations and smooth blending.
step 04
Paint the clothing, paying attention to the folds and drapery.
step 05
Develop the background, creating depth with darker values in the distance.
step 06
Refine the facial features, adding details to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to the hair, creating texture and dimension.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition, ensuring a harmonious balance of colors and values.

color palette

primary · titanium white · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt umber · ivory black · raw sienna

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of blue. Use burnt umber and black to create shadows. Mix blue and white for the clothing.

techniques