plate no. 1450

Lady Elizabeth Thimbelby and her Sister

oilBaroqueportraitfiguresportraitsclothingflowerscherubdrapery

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as understanding how to render fabric and drapery with light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch of the overall composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background and drapery.
step 03
Establish the basic skin tones and facial features of each figure.
step 04
Develop the details of the clothing, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
step 05
Add the details of the hair, jewelry, and flowers.
step 06
Refine the light and shadow to create depth and volume.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to enhance realism.
step 08
Glaze to unify the colors and create a smooth finish.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · ivory black · alizarin crimson

Mix skin tones using titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of cadmium red. Use burnt umber and ivory black to create shadows. Mix greens for the drapery using yellow ochre and ultramarine blue.

techniques