
plate no. 4790
Dirk Bouts, 1465
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and subtle skin tone variations, as well as rendering realistic drapery and textures.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, paying attention to proportions of the figures and placement of the window.
Block in the background colors: the red textile, the sky, and the dark areas of the clothing.
Begin layering the skin tones of Mary and the child, starting with mid-tones and gradually adding highlights and shadows.
Carefully render the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth, using small brushes and subtle color variations.
Paint the drapery of Mary's robe, paying attention to the folds and shadows to create a sense of volume.
Add details to the background, including the buildings in the distance and the pattern on the textile.
Refine the details of the hands and feet, paying attention to the anatomy and proportions.
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · ivory black · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light · yellow ochre
secondary · raw umber · titanium white · gold
Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Darken shadows with burnt umber and blue. Use glazes to build up color depth.
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · stretched canvas
required
optional
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
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