plate no. 7109

Mrs.Richard Skinner

oil, canvasNeoclassicismportraitportraitfiguredresstablehairflower

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as mastering the techniques of blending and glazing to achieve smooth skin tones and realistic fabric textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the overall composition and proportions of the figure and table.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color, focusing on the light and shadow patterns.
step 03
Begin refining the skin tones, using a limited palette and blending carefully to create smooth transitions.
step 04
Develop the details of the dress, paying attention to the folds, lace, and floral patterns.
step 05
Paint the table, capturing the reflections and highlights to create a sense of depth.
step 06
Refine the hair, using small brushstrokes to create texture and volume.
step 07
Add the final details, such as the jewelry and the flower, to complete the portrait.
step 08
Glaze the entire painting with thin layers of color to unify the composition and enhance the depth.

color palette

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

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create the dark background. Mix white with a touch of red for the pink flower.

techniques