plate no. 9205
Mariana Benedita Sequeira
Domingos Sequeira, 1822
some experience helpful
This painting provides practice in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric. Students will also learn about creating depth through subtle value changes and soft blending.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and piano.
- step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of color: skin tones, clothing, and piano.
- step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to light and shadow.
- step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, including the collar and trim.
- step 06
Add details to the piano, focusing on the keys and wood grain.
- step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and adding highlights.
- step 08
Add final details and glazes to enhance depth and realism.
color palette
primary · ivory black · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red
secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Mix skin tones using white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. Darken colors with black or burnt umber, and lighten with white.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·blending
- ·glazing
- ·value studies
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the face wrong.
- →Overworking the details too early.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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