plate no. 7649
Larin Paraske
Albert Edelfelt, 1893
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to depict realistic skin tones and fabric folds using subtle color variations and brushwork. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth in a landscape with limited detail.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figure and the landscape elements.
- step 02
Establish the background colors with thin washes, building up layers of color to create depth and texture in the grass and trees.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, paying attention to the light and shadow patterns on the clothing.
- step 04
Mix and apply the skin tones, using subtle color variations to create a realistic and nuanced portrait.
- step 05
Add details to the face, hands, and clothing, refining the shapes and adding highlights and shadows.
- step 06
Refine the background, adding details to the grass and trees to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 07
Add final touches and highlights to the entire painting, ensuring that the focal point is the figure's face.
- step 08
Varnish the painting to protect it and enhance the colors.
color palette
primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber · raw sienna
secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · sap green
Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red and umber. Create the grassy background with mixes of yellow ochre, sap green, and burnt umber.
techniques
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·color mixing
- ·portraiture
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the background, which can distract from the focal point.
- →Using too much paint, which can make the painting look heavy and muddy.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth in the landscape.
- →Inaccurate proportions of the figure.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·painting easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-grit canvas will provide a good surface for the brushwork.
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