plate no. 3929
Norma Safford
experienced study
Recreating this painting will develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding complex color relationships in an interior setting.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and proportions of the figure, chair, and background elements.
- step 02
Block in the major shapes and areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure of the painting.
- step 03
Develop the skin tones by layering thin washes of color, paying close attention to the subtle variations in hue and value.
- step 04
Work on the details of the clothing, chair, and background, gradually adding more detail and texture.
- step 05
Refine the features of the face, focusing on capturing the likeness and expression of the subject.
- step 06
Paint the dog, paying attention to the texture of the fur and the subtle variations in color.
- step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · alizarin crimson
secondary · ultramarine blue · viridian · raw umber · cadmium yellow
Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and alizarin crimson. Use ultramarine blue and burnt sienna to create various shades of brown and gray for the background and furniture.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·glazing
- ·color mixing
- ·rendering
- ·composition
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
- →Oversimplifying the skin tones and creating a flat, lifeless appearance.
- →Losing the overall value structure of the painting by focusing too much on details.
- →Failing to capture the likeness and expression of the subject.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to improve the flow and blending of the paints.
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