plate no. 6217

Maidenhood

Clarence Holbrook Carter, 1977

oilMagic Realismportraitportraitfiguredresshandsbackground patternface

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice portraiture and rendering of fabric folds. Students can also learn to create subtle background patterns and work with a limited color palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: skin tones, dress, background, and rug.
step 03
Refine the skin tones with subtle highlights and shadows, paying attention to the planes of the face.
step 04
Develop the folds and shadows in the dress, using darker values to create depth.
step 05
Add details to the hands, capturing their form and gesture.
step 06
Paint the background pattern, keeping it soft and muted.
step 07
Add details to the rug pattern.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and adding final touches.

color palette

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

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red light · sap green

Mix skin tones by blending white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red and umber. Achieve the dress color by mixing black with a touch of umber and white. The background is a mix of white, umber, and a hint of green.

techniques