plate no. 7414

Francoise van Bever

oilBaroqueportraitportraitfiguresflowerscherubsdraperyjewelry

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, portraiture, and rendering complex floral arrangements. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and texture through layering and glazing.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and cherubs.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin refining the portrait, paying attention to the likeness and subtle variations in skin tone.
step 04
Develop the floral arrangement, layering colors and textures to create depth.
step 05
Add details to the drapery and jewelry, using highlights and shadows to create form.
step 06
Refine the figures of the cherubs, paying attention to anatomy and proportion.
step 07
Glaze the painting to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · alizarin crimson · sap green

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt umber. Create the dark background by mixing ivory black and burnt umber. Mix various shades of pink, red, and yellow to create the flowers.

techniques