plate no. 7540

Joanna Elisabeth of Holstein-Gottorp

oilRococoportraitportraitfiguredresslacejewelryhair

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones, as well as practicing techniques for depicting fabric and lace.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, shoulders, and torso.
step 02
Establish the background with a dark, muted tone, blending smoothly.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the skin, hair, and dress, using thin washes.
step 04
Refine the skin tones, adding highlights and shadows to create form.
step 05
Develop the details of the dress, including the lace, ruffles, and embellishments.
step 06
Paint the jewelry and other accessories, paying attention to their texture and reflectivity.
step 07
Add the red sash and other details, ensuring accurate color and placement.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to create a cohesive and lifelike portrait.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · raw sienna · alizarin crimson

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use black and umber to create the dark background. Mix blue and umber for the darker tones in the dress.

techniques