plate no. 3130

Old Woman Reading

oilBaroqueportraitfigureportraitbookheadscarfhandsold woman

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice portraiture, particularly rendering skin tones and fabric textures, as well as understanding chiaroscuro to create depth and drama. Students will also learn to simplify a complex subject into manageable shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, book, and headscarf using light pencil lines.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the dark background and shadow areas with a thin wash of burnt umber.
step 03
Begin layering in the mid-tones and highlights on the face, hands, and headscarf, focusing on accurate color mixing and subtle value shifts.
step 04
Develop the details of the book, including the pages, spine, and clasp, using a combination of thin washes and thicker impasto strokes.
step 05
Refine the folds and textures of the headscarf, paying attention to the interplay of light and shadow.
step 06
Add the details of the clothing, blending the colors smoothly to create a soft, velvety texture.
step 07
Adjust the overall composition and value structure, ensuring that the focal point remains on the face and book.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue

Skin tones are achieved by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of alizarin crimson. The purple robe is created by mixing alizarin crimson and ultramarine blue, with white added for highlights. Use burnt umber and white for the book.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·scumbling
·portraiture
·fabric rendering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using colors that are too saturated or unnatural.
→Losing the overall sense of form and volume.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 16x20
·oil paints (burnt umber, titanium white, yellow ochre, alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette knife
·rags