plate no. 8550

Flowers of the Levant

Herbert Gustave Schmalz (Herbert Carmichael)

oilRomanticismportraitfigureportraitflowersvasedressinterior

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones, as well as practicing detailed rendering of fabrics and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the figure, vase, and background elements, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of neutral color, focusing on light and shadow.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the background, figure's clothing, and vase, using broad strokes.
step 04
Develop the skin tones using layers of subtle color variations and soft blending techniques.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, including the intricate embroidery and fabric folds.
step 06
Render the flowers in the vase, focusing on their shapes, colors, and textures.
step 07
Refine the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · ivory · gold ochre · purple · burnt umber

secondary · raw sienna · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson

Achieve the skin tones by mixing ivory, alizarin crimson, and a touch of yellow ochre. Create the gold tones by layering yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of raw sienna.

techniques