plate no. 6980

Jacobina Copland

oil, canvasRomanticismportraitportraitfiguredresslandscapesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric folds. It also provides practice in creating atmospheric backgrounds and soft lighting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch of the figure's pose and proportions on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the main shapes of the background with thin washes of color.
step 03
Establish the basic values of the face and clothing, focusing on the light and shadow patterns.
step 04
Begin to refine the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Develop the folds and drapery of the dress, using subtle variations in tone and color.
step 06
Add details to the background, such as the suggestion of trees and sky.
step 07
Refine the edges and details throughout the painting, ensuring a cohesive and harmonious composition.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · burnt sienna · ivory black

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of white with small amounts of raw umber and burnt sienna to create the subtle tones of the dress and skin. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red light sparingly for highlights and blush tones.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·scumbling
·blending
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using colors that are too saturated or intense.
→Losing the likeness of the subject.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·oil paints (titanium white, raw umber, burnt sienna, ivory black, yellow ochre, cadmium red light)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags or paper towels