plate no. 1853

Lady Harriet Sarah Wantage

oilAcademicismportraitportraitfiguredonkeydresslandscapefoliage

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric textures, as well as understanding subtle color variations to create depth and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, donkey, and background.
step 02
Establish the background with broad washes of color, focusing on the overall tonal values.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure and donkey, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
step 04
Begin refining the details of the face, focusing on capturing the likeness and expression.
step 05
Develop the folds and textures of the dress, using subtle color variations to create depth.
step 06
Add details to the donkey, including the harness and saddle blanket.
step 07
Refine the background, adding details such as trees and foliage.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · ivory black · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Achieve the skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, titanium white, and a touch of burnt sienna or cadmium red light. Use ivory black and raw umber to create the darker tones in the background and shadows.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·scumbling
·blending
·rendering fabric

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of the figure or donkey.
→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
→Using colors that are too saturated or unrealistic.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·Oil paints (ivory black, yellow ochre, raw umber, titanium white, burnt sienna, cadmium red light, ultramarine blue)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Rags