plate no. 6490

Katherine Cecil Sanford

oilAmerican Realismportraitportraitfigurewomanclothingfacedark background

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and using a limited palette to create depth and form. Students will also practice blending and scumbling techniques to achieve soft transitions and subtle textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and clothing.
step 02
Establish the dark background using a thin wash of dark brown or black.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the skin, clothing, and hair.
step 04
Begin to refine the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Develop the folds and drapery of the clothing, using highlights and shadows to create form.
step 06
Add details to the hair and jewelry, if present.
step 07
Soften edges and blend colors as needed to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix various shades of skin tones using white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Achieve dark tones by mixing burnt umber and ivory black. Use white to create highlights and lighten colors.

techniques