plate no. 4619

Femme au médaillon fleuri

gouache, watercolorImpressionismportraitportraitflowerscherubsmedallionfigureroses

experienced study

Recreating this painting will develop skills in layering transparent washes and creating soft, blended edges, as well as understanding color relationships in skin tones and floral arrangements. Students will also learn to depict figures in a delicate and ethereal style.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the overall composition, including the medallion, figure, cherubs, and floral arrangement.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted yellow ochre and burnt sienna to the background and stone elements.
step 03
Begin layering washes for the skin tones of the woman and cherubs, using a mix of rose madder, yellow ochre, and white.
step 04
Paint the floral arrangement, starting with light washes of pinks, reds, and greens, gradually building up the color intensity.
step 05
Add details to the woman's face and hair, using fine brushstrokes and subtle color variations.
step 06
Define the cherubs' features and add shadows to create depth.
step 07
Refine the details of the medallion and add highlights to the stone elements.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust values as needed to create a harmonious composition.

color palette

primary · rose madder · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

Achieve skin tones by mixing rose madder, yellow ochre, and white, adjusting the proportions for highlights and shadows. Create the floral colors by blending the primary and secondary colors with white for lighter tints.

techniques

·watercolor washes
·dry brushing
·blending
·layering
·glazing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the colors and losing the transparency of the washes.
→Creating muddy colors by mixing too many pigments.
→Failing to establish a clear value structure.
→Incorrect proportions of the figures

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·Watercolor paints
·Gouache paints
·Watercolor brushes (round and flat)
·Watercolor paper (140lb)
·Palette
·Water container
·Pencil
·Eraser

optional

·Masking fluid
·Palette knife
·Spray bottle

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and allow for multiple layers of washes. Consider using masking fluid to preserve highlights in the floral arrangement.

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