plate no. 6891
Italian girl
George Elgar Hicks, 1877
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly capturing likeness and subtle skin tones, as well as practicing loose, expressive brushwork to create texture and form.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and the jar.
- step 02
Establish the background with broad, dark tones, leaving space for the figure.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the skin, clothing, and jar, focusing on overall values.
- step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow on the face.
- step 05
Add details to the clothing, including the patterns and textures.
- step 06
Develop the form of the jar, using highlights and shadows to create a sense of roundness.
- step 07
Refine the background, adding subtle variations in color and tone.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.
color palette
primary · titanium white · burnt umber · cadmium red · yellow ochre
secondary · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson · viridian
Mix skin tones using white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. Achieve the copper color of the jar by layering burnt umber, cadmium red, and touches of yellow ochre. Use ultramarine blue and alizarin crimson for the darks.
techniques
- ·portrait painting
- ·alla prima
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Losing the looseness and spontaneity of the brushwork.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·painting medium
Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for expressive brushwork. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base value.
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