plate no. 6217
Maidenhood
Clarence Holbrook Carter, 1977
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 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
- ·portrait painting
- ·fabric rendering
- ·glazing
- ·color mixing
- ·blending
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions of the figure
- →Overly harsh shadows on the face
- →Muddy skin tones
- →Flat or lifeless dress
- →Overly detailed background pattern
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a smooth canvas for easier blending. Consider using a medium to improve the flow of the paint.
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