plate no. 6414

Nina Hamnett

Roger Fry, 1917

oilPost-Impressionismportraitportraitfigurechairinteriorclothingtable

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and understanding color temperature in skin tones. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using visible brushstrokes to create texture.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, chair, and background elements, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, starting with the background and chair.
step 03
Establish the dark values of the clothing and hair, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone.
step 04
Begin building up the skin tones, layering different shades of ochre, pink, and brown to create depth and form.
step 05
Add details to the face, focusing on capturing the likeness and expression of the subject.
step 06
Refine the brushwork, using visible strokes to create texture and movement.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of harmony and balance.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · yellow ochre · raw umber

secondary · cadmium red light · viridian · titanium white

Mix skin tones using yellow ochre, cadmium red light, and titanium white. Use raw umber and ivory black to create dark tones for clothing and hair. Mix viridian with yellow ochre to create muted greens.

techniques