plate no. 1311

Family portrait of Madame Anthony and her children

oil, canvasRomanticismportraitportraitfigureschildrendresstablefamily

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabrics. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere 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 figures.
step 02
Establish the background with a dark, muted tone.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures and clothing with basic colors.
step 04
Begin layering values to create form and dimension in the faces and clothing.
step 05
Refine the details of the faces, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 06
Add details to the clothing, such as folds and lace.
step 07
Paint the table and any other background elements.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna

secondary · alizarin crimson · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Achieve the skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red and umber. Create the dark background by mixing black, umber, and a touch of blue. Mix white with a touch of black or umber for the off-white dress.

techniques