Head of the Virgin

approach — 8 steps

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red light

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black

Skin tones are achieved by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. The blue drapery is created by mixing ultramarine blue with black and white for highlights and shadows. Use yellow ochre and white for the scarf.

techniques

• ·underpainting
• ·glazing
• ·scumbling
• ·chiaroscuro
• ·portraiture

common pitfalls

• →Overworking the skin tones and creating a muddy effect.
• →Failing to capture the subtle variations in value and color.
• →Losing the overall sense of form and depth.
• →Ignoring the importance of the background in creating a sense of atmosphere.