plate no. 7330

Elodie Martin Balsan

oilAcademicismportraitportraitfiguredresschairbackgroundfan

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in rendering skin tones and drapery folds. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and form through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, dress, and skin.
step 03
Begin layering the skin tones, paying attention to subtle shifts in value and color.
step 04
Develop the details of the dress, including the folds and highlights.
step 05
Refine the background, adding texture and depth.
step 06
Add details to the face, focusing on the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Paint the hands and fan, paying attention to the details of the jewelry.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · ivory black · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Skin tones are achieved by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. The dark dress is a mix of black and umber, lightened with white for highlights. The background is a mix of umber, red, and a touch of black.

techniques