plate no. 0194
Lesbia and Her Sparrow
Edward Poynter, 1907
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, drapery painting, and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also offers practice in rendering realistic textures and subtle color variations.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and major elements.
- step 02
Establish the background with broad washes of color, paying attention to the variations in greens and blues.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, including the face, hands, and drapery, using a limited palette.
- step 04
Develop the skin tones with careful blending and layering of colors, focusing on the subtle shifts in value.
- step 05
Add details to the drapery, capturing the folds and highlights with precise brushstrokes.
- step 06
Paint the bird and grapes, paying attention to their texture and form.
- step 07
Refine the background details, such as the flowers and foliage, adding depth and interest.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall sense of realism.
color palette
primary · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · viridian green · purple · raw umber
Achieve skin tones by mixing alizarin crimson, yellow ochre, and titanium white, adjusting the proportions for highlights and shadows. Create the purples by blending alizarin crimson and ultramarine blue.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·blending
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·drapery study
common pitfalls
- →Overblending the skin tones, resulting in a flat and lifeless appearance.
- →Neglecting the subtle color variations in the drapery, making it look too uniform.
- →Failing to establish a strong sense of depth in the background.
- →Getting lost in details too early, before establishing the overall composition and values.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints (alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, titanium white, viridian green, raw umber)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·painting medium
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to improve the flow and blending of the paints.
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