plate no. 4936

Maria Teresa von Moser-Ebreichsdorf

John Quincy Adams, 1907

oil, canvasRealismportraitfigureportraitflowersmirrordogdress

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in painting reflective surfaces and rendering fabric folds with subtle color variations. It also provides practice in capturing the likeness of a subject and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, mirror, and chair.
step 02
Establish the background with broad, muted tones, creating a sense of depth.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure and her reflection, paying attention to proportions.
step 04
Begin to develop the folds and highlights in the dress, using a limited palette of yellows and whites.
step 05
Paint the flowers, focusing on capturing their individual shapes and colors.
step 06
Add details to the mirror frame and chair, using subtle variations in color and value.
step 07
Refine the facial features and add highlights to the hair.
step 08
Add final details, such as the dog and the fabric draped over the chair.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · titanium white · burnt umber

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · sap green

Achieve the subtle color variations by mixing small amounts of secondary colors into the primary palette. Use white to create highlights and burnt umber to create shadows.

techniques