plate no. 6076
Jane and Elizabeth
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing for natural light and capturing likeness in portraiture with loose brushstrokes. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and figures, focusing on proportions and placement.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, field, and figures, using thin washes.
- step 03
Establish the basic values within each area, paying attention to light and shadow.
- step 04
Begin refining the shapes of the figures, adding details to the faces and clothing.
- step 05
Develop the background, adding details to the field and distant landscape.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Refine the brushwork, using visible strokes to add texture and interest.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to color, value, and composition.
color palette
primary · titanium white · alizarin crimson · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
secondary · cadmium red · sap green · violet
Mix pinks for the dress by blending alizarin crimson and titanium white. Achieve the green of the field by mixing yellow ochre and ultramarine blue, adjusting the ratio for different shades. Use violet for the sky by mixing alizarin crimson and ultramarine blue, lightening with titanium white.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·color mixing
- ·loose brushwork
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Not paying attention to the subtle color variations in the field and sky.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing them.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use good quality oil paints for best results. A medium can help with blending and drying time.
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