plate no. 1517

Miniature of Anna Maria Vasa and Władysław Vasa

oilMannerism (Late Renaissance)portraitportraitfigurechildrenclothingjewelryframe

experienced study

Recreating this painting will develop skills in portraiture, particularly in rendering realistic skin tones and intricate details. Students will also learn about color mixing for subtle variations and creating a sense of depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the oval shape of the frames and the basic proportions of the faces.
step 02
Establish the main light source and shadow areas on the faces.
step 03
Begin with a thin layer of underpainting using burnt umber to define the forms.
step 04
Mix and apply skin tones, gradually building up layers and blending carefully.
step 05
Paint the ruffs, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
step 06
Add details to the clothing and jewelry, using small brushes for precision.
step 07
Paint the gold frames, creating highlights and shadows to give them dimension.
step 08
Refine details and add final touches to the portraits.

color palette

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

secondary · ivory black · ultramarine blue · gold

Skin tones are achieved by mixing white, yellow ochre, and small amounts of red and umber. Use blue and black sparingly to create shadows. Gold is achieved by mixing yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of red.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·scumbling
·color mixing
·rendering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the skin tones, leading to a muddy appearance.
→Failing to capture the likeness of the subjects.
→Ignoring the subtle variations in color and value.
→Making the ruffs appear flat and lifeless.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (small oval)
·oil paints (titanium white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, cadmium red, ivory black, ultramarine blue)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·assorted brushes (small round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags