plate no. 0604

Mrs. George A. Drummond, Lady Drummond

oilRealismportraitportraitfiguredresslacejewelrydark background

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering subtle skin tones. It will also provide practice in depicting textures like lace and fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch of the figure's proportions and pose.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and areas of light and shadow using thin washes of color.
step 03
Establish the background with a dark, muted tone.
step 04
Begin building up the skin tones, focusing on subtle variations in color and value.
step 05
Define the features of the face, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Render the dress and lace, using small brushstrokes to create texture.
step 07
Add details such as the jewelry and any highlights.
step 08
Refine the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow light · alizarin crimson

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red or burnt sienna. Use ivory black and raw umber for the dark background. Mix yellow ochre and cadmium yellow light for the dress.

techniques

·portrait painting
·glazing
·scumbling
·blending
·rendering fabric

common pitfalls

→Overworking the skin tones, resulting in a flat or lifeless appearance.
→Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
→Ignoring the subtle variations in color and value.
→Getting lost in the details of the lace and dress before establishing the overall form.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Oil paints (ivory black, raw umber, yellow ochre, titanium white, burnt sienna, cadmium yellow light, alizarin crimson)
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Palette
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife