plate no. 9234

Marie Fel with eyes full of love

pastel, canvasRococoportraitportraitfiguredressmusic booklacechair

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones, as well as practice rendering fabric and lace details.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes: the figure, the dress, the music book, and the chair.
step 02
Establish the background with a dark, blended tone.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the skin, dress, and music book, focusing on the overall values.
step 04
Develop the skin tones using layers of subtle color variations, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 05
Work on the details of the dress, including the folds, ruffles, and lace, using a combination of blending and sharp lines.
step 06
Render the music book and the cherub detail, focusing on the texture and form.
step 07
Add the final details, such as the hair, jewelry, and facial features, refining the overall composition.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the colors and add depth.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Titanium white · Burnt umber · Yellow ochre

secondary · Cadmium red light · Ivory black

Skin tones are achieved by mixing white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of red. The blue dress uses Prussian blue lightened with white and darkened with burnt umber. The lace is created with white and a touch of yellow ochre.

techniques

·Blending
·Layering
·Scumbling
·Glazing
·Hatching

common pitfalls

→Overworking the skin tones, resulting in a muddy or flat appearance.
→Failing to capture the subtle variations in color and value in the dress.
→Getting lost in the details of the lace before establishing the overall form.
→Incorrect proportions of the figure.

materials

surface · Stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 18x24
·Oil paints: Prussian blue, Titanium white, Burnt umber, Yellow ochre, Cadmium red light, Ivory black
·Round brushes (sizes 0, 2, 4)
·Flat brushes (sizes 4, 6, 8)
·Palette
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Soft cloths