plate no. 1770
Mary von Stuck
Fernand Khnopff, 1916
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing for skin tones, and creating soft, diffused lighting effects. It also provides practice in rendering textures like fabric and wood.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, chair, and background.
- step 02
Establish the main areas of color, focusing on the background, chair, and skin tones.
- step 03
Begin building up the values in the face, paying attention to the subtle shifts in light and shadow.
- step 04
Refine the details of the clothing, hat, and chair, adding texture and patterns.
- step 05
Paint the dog, focusing on capturing its likeness and expression.
- step 06
Add details to the pillow and background, ensuring they complement the overall composition.
- step 07
Refine the edges and details throughout the painting, creating a sense of depth and realism.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall effect.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red · ultramarine blue
secondary · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson · ivory black
Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of red. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create muted grays for shadows. Mix cadmium red with white for the chair, adjusting the hue with small amounts of yellow or blue.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·color mixing
- ·soft blending
- ·glazing
- ·rendering textures
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the skin tones, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
- →Ignoring the subtle shifts in value and color.
- →Creating harsh edges that detract from the overall softness of the painting.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·rags
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Allow each layer of paint to dry before applying the next.
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