plate no. 2828

Marie Alexandrina of Saxe-Altenburg, Queen of Hanover (1818-1907)

oilRomanticismportraitportraitfiguredresscolumnarchitecturejewelry

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of facial features, as well as the ability to depict complex textures like lace and fabric folds. It also provides practice in creating subtle gradations of light and shadow to model form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and proportions of the figure and background.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Focus on accurately capturing the likeness of the face, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone and color.
step 04
Develop the details of the dress, using layering and glazing techniques to create the illusion of lace and fabric.
step 05
Render the background elements, such as the column and curtain, with soft edges and muted colors.
step 06
Refine the highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and volume.
step 07
Add the final details, such as the jewelry and accessories.
step 08
Glaze overall to unify the painting and adjust values as needed.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · burnt umber · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Achieve the skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, cadmium red, and a touch of burnt umber. Use ivory black and ultramarine blue to create subtle grays for shadows and background elements. Mix white with a touch of raw sienna to create the off-white color of the dress.

techniques