plate no. 4869

Othilia, Julie, and Christy Marstrand (left to right), the Artist's Daughters

oilRomanticismportraitportraitfigureschildrenclothinghairfaces

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions, subtle skin tone variations, and capturing likeness. It also provides practice in creating soft, diffused lighting and blending techniques.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the three figures, paying attention to their relative positions and sizes.
step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of muted green.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for each figure, including skin tones, hair, and clothing.
step 04
Begin to refine the skin tones by layering subtle variations of color and value, focusing on the light and shadow patterns on the faces.
step 05
Add details to the hair, using small brushstrokes to create texture and dimension.
step 06
Refine the clothing, paying attention to the folds and drapery.
step 07
Add the details of the eyes, nose, and mouth, capturing the unique features of each figure.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition, ensuring that the values and colors are balanced and harmonious.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ivory black

secondary · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue · viridian

Skin tones are achieved by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red and umber. The background is a mix of viridian, umber, and white. Use ultramarine blue and white for the eyes.

techniques