plate no. 6969

Lady Delme and her Children

oil, canvasRococoportraitfigureslandscapetreeschildrenportraitdog

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric textures. It also provides practice in creating atmospheric perspective in the background landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the main elements of the background.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the figures, focusing on the large shapes of the clothing and skin tones.
step 04
Develop the background landscape, paying attention to atmospheric perspective and the softening of details in the distance.
step 05
Refine the details of the figures, including facial features, hair, and clothing folds.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Work on the details of the dog, capturing its fur texture and expression.
step 08
Add final glazes to unify the painting and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · ivory black

Mix various shades of skin tones using titanium white, cadmium red, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt umber. Achieve the fabric colors by mixing cadmium red with burnt sienna and white, and use ultramarine blue to create the background.

techniques