plate no. 8292

Miss Thompson (Miss Patricia Thompson)

Laura Knight, 1932

oilImpressionismportraitportraitfiguredresschairbackgroundpattern

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing for skin tones, and creating depth through layering and subtle value changes. Students will also learn to depict fabric and patterns.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure.
step 02
Establish the background with broad strokes, capturing the overall color and pattern.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, including the dress, arms, and head.
step 04
Begin refining the skin tones, using subtle color variations to create form.
step 05
Add details to the dress, including the folds and the decorative pattern.
step 06
Refine the background details, adding depth and interest.
step 07
Pay attention to the light source and adjust values accordingly.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.

color palette

primary · rose madder · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · viridian · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

Mix rose madder and white for the dress, adding yellow ochre for warmth. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber for the background, adding touches of blue and green for variation. Skin tones are achieved with a mix of white, rose madder, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt umber.

techniques

·portraiture
·scumbling
·layering
·color mixing
·blending

common pitfalls

→Overmixing colors, resulting in muddy tones.
→Ignoring the underlying structure of the face.
→Failing to create depth in the background.
→Getting lost in details too early.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 16x20
·Oil paints (rose madder, yellow ochre, titanium white, viridian, ultramarine blue, burnt umber)
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Rags