plate no. 8621
Lady Frances Erskine
David Allan, 1764
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of fabric textures. Students will also learn to create subtle gradations in skin tones and background.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figure.
- step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of dark brown or umber.
- step 03
Establish the main skin tones, focusing on the light and shadow areas.
- step 04
Begin layering the dress, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
- step 05
Carefully render the lace details, using thin brushes and light colors.
- step 06
Add details to the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 07
Refine the overall composition and adjust values as needed.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · titanium white · burnt umber · cadmium red light · yellow ochre
secondary · ivory black · raw sienna
Mix skin tones using white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use burnt umber and black for shadows. Create the pinks by mixing red and white.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·blending
- ·rendering fabric
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions of the face
- →Overworking the lace details
- →Uneven skin tones
- →Lack of depth in the background
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
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