plate no. 9307
Lady with a Fan
Violet Oakley, 1895
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones, as well as practice layering and blending techniques to achieve soft transitions.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, fan, and kimono on the canvas.
- step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of muted green and brown tones.
- step 03
Establish the main color areas for the skin, hair, kimono, and fan with thin washes.
- step 04
Begin layering and blending colors to create form and depth in the face and hands.
- step 05
Develop the details of the kimono, paying attention to the patterns and folds.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the figure.
- step 07
Refine the details of the fan, capturing its delicate structure and colors.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ultramarine blue
secondary · cadmium red · titanium white · viridian
Mix skin tones using white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. Create the kimono's patterns by layering blues, yellows, and whites.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated or intense.
- →Ignoring the subtle shifts in color temperature.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-sized canvas (16x20 or 18x24) is recommended.
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