plate no. 8054

Evelyn Farquhar

John Lavery, 1906

oilImpressionismportraitportraitwomandresschairflowershat

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing the nuances of light and shadow on fabric and skin tones. It will also improve their ability to create a sense of depth and atmosphere through subtle color variations and brushwork.

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 the proportions of the figure and the placement of key elements.
step 02
Establish the background with broad, loose strokes, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, paying attention to the overall form and gesture.
step 04
Begin to refine the details of the face, focusing on capturing the likeness and expression of the subject.
step 05
Develop the details of the dress, using a variety of brushstrokes to create the illusion of fabric and texture.
step 06
Add the details of the chair, flowers, and other accessories, paying attention to their relationship to the overall composition.
step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows, adding depth and dimension to the painting.
step 08
Add final details and adjust colors as needed to achieve a cohesive and harmonious result.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · raw umber

secondary · cerulean blue · alizarin crimson · yellow ochre

Use white with small amounts of other colors to create the subtle variations in the dress. Mix black and umber for the background, adjusting the ratio to control the value. Use small amounts of blue and crimson for the skin tones.

techniques

·wet-on-wet blending
·scumbling
·broken color
·glazing
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong foundation of values and proportions.
→Getting lost in the details and losing sight of the overall composition.
→Using colors that are too saturated or intense.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·oil paints
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·rags

optional

·medium (e.g., Liquin)
·varnish
·easel

Use a high-quality canvas and artist-grade oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to speed up drying time or enhance the flow of the paint.

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