plate no. 2587
Megilla
John William Godward, 1921
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in rendering skin tones and drapery. It also provides practice in achieving subtle gradations and smooth blending.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
- step 02
Establish the main light and shadow areas on the face and body.
- step 03
Block in the background marble pattern with light washes.
- step 04
Begin layering skin tones, focusing on smooth transitions.
- step 05
Paint the dress, paying attention to the folds and transparency.
- step 06
Add details to the headband and hair.
- step 07
Refine the marble background, adding depth and variation.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to the face and clothing.
color palette
primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue
secondary · alizarin crimson · raw umber · ivory black
Skin tones are achieved by mixing white, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and a touch of alizarin crimson. The dress uses ultramarine blue mixed with white and a hint of raw umber for the gray tones. The marble background is created with washes of raw umber and white.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·blending
- ·layering
- ·color matching
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the skin tones and creating a muddy effect.
- →Failing to capture the subtle variations in light and shadow.
- →Making the marble background too uniform and flat.
- →Incorrect proportions in the initial sketch.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·alizarin crimson oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the initial values.
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