plate no. 3552

Pandora

Thomas Dewing, 1910

oilTonalismportraitfigureportraitdresstablebookspitcher

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in creating soft, atmospheric effects and capturing subtle tonal variations. It also provides practice in rendering fabric and creating a sense of depth through layering.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes: figure, chair, table, and background.
step 02
Establish the overall warm, muted color palette by laying in thin washes of color.
step 03
Focus on the background, blending colors to create a soft, atmospheric effect.
step 04
Block in the main values of the figure, paying attention to the light source and shadows.
step 05
Develop the details of the face, dress, and hands, using small, controlled brushstrokes.
step 06
Add the details of the table, books, and pitcher, maintaining the soft focus.
step 07
Refine the edges and values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create visual interest.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson

Achieve the muted tones by mixing the primary colors with white and small amounts of the secondary colors. Use glazes of diluted color to build up depth and create subtle variations.

techniques