plate no. 4344

Mrs. Abington

oil, canvasRococoportraitportraitfiguredogchairdresslace

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones, as well as practicing the depiction of fabric and textures like lace.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure, chair, and dog.
step 02
Establish the background with broad strokes, blending the dark and light areas.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, including the dress, arms, and face, using simplified color masses.
step 04
Begin refining the skin tones, layering colors to create depth and warmth.
step 05
Add details to the dress, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
step 06
Render the lace with delicate brushstrokes, capturing its intricate patterns.
step 07
Paint the chair, focusing on its structure and the play of light and shadow.
step 08
Add the dog, simplifying its form and focusing on its facial expression.

color palette

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

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. Create the pink dress by mixing white and red, and use umber and black for the dark background.

techniques