plate no. 6389

Henrietta Shelley (1731–1809), Countess of Onslow

oilRococoportraitportraitfiguredresslacehairjewelry

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric textures. It also provides practice in subtle color mixing and blending to create realistic skin tones and drapery.

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 background.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin underpainting using burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Block in the main color areas: skin, hair, dress, and background.
step 04
Begin refining the skin tones, paying attention to subtle shifts in color and value.
step 05
Develop the details of the dress, focusing on the folds, ruffles, and lace.
step 06
Render the hair, creating volume and texture with highlights and shadows.
step 07
Add details such as jewelry and refine the background.
step 08
Apply final glazes to unify the painting and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium red · burnt umber · raw sienna

Skin tones can be achieved by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of cadmium red. The dress color requires mixing ultramarine blue, ivory black, and a touch of yellow ochre. Use burnt umber and raw sienna for shadows and glazing.

techniques