plate no. 1213

In Dreams

Edward Robert Hughes, 1900

oilRomanticismportraitfigureportraitdresschairflowerswindow

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing subtle skin tones and soft lighting. It also provides practice in rendering fabric and creating a sense of atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the figure, chair, and window.
step 02
Establish the overall composition and proportions.
step 03
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, focusing on the light and shadow patterns.
step 04
Begin building up the skin tones with subtle layers of color, paying attention to the highlights and shadows on the face.
step 05
Develop the details of the dress, capturing the folds and textures with soft brushstrokes.
step 06
Paint the background elements, such as the window and flowers, using a muted color palette.
step 07
Refine the details of the chair and the book, adding depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall sense of realism and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · burnt sienna

secondary · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, raw umber, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Use yellow ochre and white for the dress, and create muted greens by mixing blue and yellow.

techniques