plate no. 0637
Napolitana
Henrique Pousao, 1882
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly capturing likeness and form with loose brushstrokes and limited color palette. It also provides practice in depicting fabric textures and folds.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic proportions of the figure and the main shapes.
- step 02
Block in the background with a thin wash of warm color.
- step 03
Establish the main shadow shapes on the figure using a darker value of the background color.
- step 04
Start adding the local colors of the clothing, focusing on the values and edges.
- step 05
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 06
Add details to the clothing and accessories, such as the headscarf and jewelry.
- step 07
Soften edges and blend colors where necessary to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · titanium white · ivory black
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red light sparingly to add warmth to the skin tones and clothing.
techniques
- ·alla prima
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·limited palette
- ·value studies
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, painterly quality.
- →Getting the proportions wrong, especially in the face.
- →Using too much color and creating a painting that is too bright.
- →Failing to capture the subtle variations in value.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·#6 round brush
- ·#4 filbert brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
A toned canvas (e.g., with a thin wash of burnt umber) can be helpful for establishing the initial values.
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