plate no. 3809

Maternity

oil, canvasRealismportraitportraitwomanfiguredresshandsfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and creating realistic skin tones, as well as understanding how to use light and shadow to create form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, torso, and hand placement.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of neutral tones, paying attention to the subtle variations in color.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the skin, dress, and vest, using a limited palette.
step 04
Begin to refine the facial features, focusing on capturing the likeness and expression of the subject.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, paying attention to the folds and drapery.
step 06
Add the foliage in the lower right corner, using a dry brush technique to create texture.
step 07
Refine the values and edges throughout the painting, creating a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · ivory black · cadmium red

Mix skin tones using white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red and umber. Use black and umber to create the darker tones of the dress and vest. Add small amounts of red to the cheeks and lips for warmth.

techniques

·portraiture
·blending
·scumbling
·glazing
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Using too much color and creating a muddy effect.
→Failing to capture the likeness and expression of the subject.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (raw umber, titanium white, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, ivory black, cadmium red)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette knife
·rags