plate no. 8273

Leticia

oilContemporary Realismportraitportraitfigurechildclothinghairface

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice portraiture basics, including accurate proportions and subtle value gradations to create form. Students can also learn to render fabric textures and details.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch of the overall composition, focusing on accurate proportions and placement of features.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: skin tones, hair, clothing, and background.
step 03
Start refining the skin tones, paying attention to subtle value changes to create form.
step 04
Work on the hair, adding highlights and shadows to give it depth and texture.
step 05
Paint the clothing, focusing on the folds and details of the fabric.
step 06
Refine the background, ensuring it complements the figure.
step 07
Add the final details, such as the lace collar and the bow in the hair.
step 08
Make any necessary adjustments to the overall composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt umber · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black · alizarin crimson

Skin tones are achieved by mixing titanium white, cadmium red, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt umber. The background is a mix of alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue, and white. The dark clothing is a mix of ivory black and ultramarine blue.

techniques