plate no. 5561

Marie-Rose de Larlan de Kercadio de Rochefort

pastelRococoportraitportraitfiguredressbookhairrococo

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering delicate skin tones, as well as understanding subtle color variations and soft blending techniques.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, paying attention to proportions and pose.
step 02
Establish the background with a soft, blended layer of neutral tones.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the skin, hair, and dress, focusing on accurate value placement.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Develop the details of the dress, including the folds and textures of the fabric.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the edges and blend the colors to create a soft, realistic effect.
step 08
Add the final details, such as the book and any subtle highlights.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · raw umber · rose madder

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix various shades of blue by adding white and small amounts of black or umber. Achieve skin tones by blending white, rose madder, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber.

techniques

·soft blending
·layering
·color mixing
·portraiture
·rendering fabric

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Using too much pressure when applying the pastel, resulting in a chalky appearance.
→Failing to accurately capture the proportions of the figure.
→Not blending the colors sufficiently, resulting in a harsh or unnatural look.