plate no. 4961
Giuseppina Ronzi de Begnis
Karl Bryullov, 1835
some experience helpful
This painting provides practice in rendering skin tones and creating a sense of depth through subtle value changes. Students will also learn to depict textures of fabric and metal.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and frame.
- step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of dark brown.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of the skin, dress, and crown with simplified colors.
- step 04
Begin layering and blending the skin tones, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
- step 05
Develop the details of the dress, crown, and jewelry, adding texture and highlights.
- step 06
Refine the background and the frame, adding details and shadows.
- step 07
Add final highlights and details to the face and clothing.
- step 08
Varnish the painting after it is completely dry.
color palette
primary · titanium white · burnt umber · cadmium red light
secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black · gold
Mix skin tones by blending white, red, and umber. Use yellow ochre and umber to create the gold tones.
techniques
- ·portrait painting
- ·blending
- ·glazing
- ·rendering metal
- ·rendering fabric
common pitfalls
- →Overblending skin tones, resulting in a flat appearance.
- →Incorrect proportions of the figure.
- →Getting the gold tones too bright or too dull.
- →Ignoring subtle value changes in the background.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-grain canvas will provide a good surface for blending.
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