plate no. 4079

Iphigenia

Herbert Gustave Schmalz (Herbert Carmichael), 1900

oilRomanticismportraitfigureportraitflowersveildraperyhair

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in rendering skin tones, drapery, and subtle lighting effects. It also provides practice in capturing a mood and emotion through pose and expression.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, shoulders, and hands.
step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of blue and gray, allowing for subtle variations in tone.
step 03
Block in the main areas of the figure, using a limited palette of skin tones, and paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Begin to refine the facial features, focusing on the eyes, nose, and mouth. Use soft blending techniques to create smooth transitions.
step 05
Add the drapery, using thin layers of paint to create the illusion of transparency and folds.
step 06
Paint the flowers, using small brushstrokes to capture the delicate petals and leaves.
step 07
Refine the hair, using a combination of light and dark tones to create texture and volume.
step 08
Add final details and highlights, paying attention to the overall harmony of the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, and umber, adjusting the proportions to create highlights and shadows. Use blue and umber to create the background. Mix white with a touch of yellow ochre and umber for the veil.

techniques