plate no. 5026

Mrs. John Moale (Ellin North) and Ellin North Moale

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)portraitportraitfiguredresscurtainbookchild

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in rendering fabric textures and creating realistic skin tones. Students can also learn about portrait composition and how to depict figures in a historical style.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figures and background.
step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow with a thin wash of color.
step 03
Begin layering in the skin tones, paying attention to subtle variations in color.
step 04
Develop the details of the clothing, focusing on the folds and textures of the fabric.
step 05
Paint the background, creating depth and atmosphere.
step 06
Add the details of the book, glasses, and flowers.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a sense of realism.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · ivory black · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix burnt sienna and ivory black to create the darker tones in the clothing and background. Use titanium white to lighten the skin tones and create highlights. Mix cadmium red with white for the book and curtain.

techniques

·layering
·blending
·glazing
·scumbling
·portraiture

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
→Overblending the skin tones, resulting in a flat appearance.
→Failing to capture the subtle variations in color in the clothing.
→Ignoring the importance of light and shadow in creating form.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·oil paints (burnt sienna, ivory black, titanium white, cadmium red, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags