plate no. 0311

Mary Phoebe Spencer Nelson Taylor and Daughters (1776–1847)

oilRococoportraitportraitfiguresdressescurtainfurnituremother and children

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of skin tones, as well as drapery and fabric folds. It will also improve their understanding of light and shadow to create form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and background elements.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Begin refining the skin tones, using subtle color variations to create realistic form.
step 04
Develop the details of the dresses, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
step 05
Paint the background elements, such as the curtain and furniture, using a limited palette.
step 06
Add details to the faces, including the eyes, nose, and mouth, to capture the likeness of the subjects.
step 07
Refine the details of the hair and accessories.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall depth and realism of the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · cadmium red · yellow ochre · burnt umber

secondary · ultramarine blue · ivory black

Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, cadmium red, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt umber. Use ultramarine blue and titanium white for the blue ribbons. Mix burnt umber and ivory black for darker shadows.

techniques