plate no. 7579
María Purificación Fernández y Cadenas
some experience helpful
This painting offers a good opportunity to practice subtle value changes to create form and to learn about the effects of light on a monochromatic subject. Students will also develop skills in accurately rendering facial features and drapery.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall proportions and placement of the bust.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes of the head, shoulders, and drapery.
- step 03
Establish the background color with a thin wash.
- step 04
Start adding mid-tones to the sculpture, focusing on the areas in shadow.
- step 05
Gradually build up the darker values, paying attention to the contours and folds.
- step 06
Add highlights to the areas where the light is strongest.
- step 07
Refine the details of the face, hair, and drapery.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and edges to create a sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ivory black · raw umber
secondary · payne's gray
Mix various shades of gray by combining titanium white with small amounts of ivory black and raw umber. Use payne's gray for the darkest shadows.
techniques
- ·value shading
- ·blending
- ·hatching
- ·cross-hatching
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Creating harsh lines instead of smooth transitions.
- →Failing to accurately capture the proportions of the bust.
- →Not paying enough attention to the effects of light and shadow.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·payne's gray oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A smooth canvas surface will make blending easier.
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