plate no. 3004

Helen Chase

oilImpressionismportraitfigureportraitdresschairflowerslace

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering skin tones, as well as practice blending and layering techniques to create soft transitions and subtle details.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and chair using light pencil lines.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the background and major areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin layering skin tones, focusing on accurate color mixing and subtle value changes to create form.
step 04
Develop the details of the dress, paying attention to the folds and drapery, and the texture of the lace.
step 05
Paint the flowers, capturing their delicate forms and subtle color variations.
step 06
Refine the details of the chair and other background elements.
step 07
Add highlights and final touches to enhance the overall realism and luminosity of the painting.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the color and add depth.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber · raw sienna

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · ivory black

Skin tones are achieved by mixing white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of alizarin crimson. The dress is primarily white with subtle variations created by adding small amounts of yellow ochre and burnt umber. The background is a blend of burnt umber and raw sienna.

techniques

·portrait painting
·blending
·layering
·glazing
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Inaccurate proportions in the initial sketch.
→Overworking the skin tones, resulting in a muddy or unnatural appearance.
→Failing to capture the subtle value changes in the dress, making it appear flat.
→Getting lost in the details of the lace before establishing the overall form.