plate no. 7277

Mrs. James Robb and Her Three Children

oilRomanticismportraitportraitfigureschildrendressinteriorfamily

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding how to depict fabric and drapery.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the composition and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Block in the background with broad strokes, establishing the overall color and value.
step 03
Begin painting the figures, starting with the mother's face and then the children's faces, focusing on accurate skin tones.
step 04
Develop the drapery and clothing, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
step 05
Refine the details of the faces, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Add the details of the hair, capturing its texture and volume.
step 07
Paint the hands and other smaller details, such as the fan.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

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

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of blue or umber. Use ultramarine blue and ivory black to create the dark tones of the dress.

techniques