plate no. 5635

Mrs. Sarah Siddons, the actress

oil, canvasRococoportraitportraitfiguredresshatfurfabric

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric textures. It also provides practice in creating subtle gradations of color and value to model form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure.
step 02
Establish the background with broad strokes, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, including the dress, hat, and fur stole.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Develop the details of the dress, including the stripes and folds of the fabric.
step 06
Add the details of the hat and fur stole, using small brushstrokes to create texture.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium yellow light · alizarin crimson · raw sienna

Mix various shades of gray and blue for the dress. Use burnt umber and yellow for the fur, adding white for highlights. Achieve the skin tones by mixing white, yellow, and a touch of red.

techniques