plate no. 3340
In Contemplation
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly capturing skin tones and drapery, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective and creating a sense of depth.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the figure's pose and the placement of the window and stool.
- step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of color, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, using a limited palette of earth tones and white.
- step 04
Develop the skin tones, using subtle variations in color to create a sense of volume and form.
- step 05
Paint the drapery, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
- step 06
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 07
Refine the background and add details to the window and building.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · ivory black
secondary · alizarin crimson · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Mix skin tones by blending burnt umber, raw sienna, and white, adding small amounts of alizarin crimson for warmth and ultramarine blue for cool shadows. Achieve the muted background colors by mixing earth tones with white and small amounts of blue and yellow.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·portraiture
- ·drapery
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the skin tones and losing the subtle variations in color.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth in the background.
- →Ignoring the importance of light and shadow in creating form.
- →Getting lost in details too early in the process.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to create a warmer base for the painting.
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