plate no. 7868

Model in the Studio

oilNeoclassicismnude painting (nu)figuremirrorinteriordraperychairstudio

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, particularly in rendering realistic skin tones and understanding reflected light. It also provides practice in creating depth and atmosphere within an interior space.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Establish the background elements: bed, drapery, mirror, and easel.
step 03
Rough in the figure's pose and proportions, paying close attention to anatomical landmarks.
step 04
Begin layering skin tones, starting with mid-tones and gradually adding highlights and shadows.
step 05
Refine the details of the figure, including facial features and the folds of the cloth.
step 06
Paint the reflected figure in the mirror, paying attention to the subtle shifts in color and value.
step 07
Add the details of the chair, table, and other objects in the studio.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition, ensuring a harmonious balance of light and shadow.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · cadmium red light · ivory black

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson

Skin tones are achieved by mixing white, red, umber, and a touch of yellow ochre. Use ultramarine blue and black to create the dark purples of the drapery. Mix white with small amounts of black and umber for the background walls.

techniques