plate no. 1219
Pauline Runge with her two-year-old-son
Philipp Otto Runge, 1807
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective in a landscape setting.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions and placement of the figures.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color, starting with the background landscape.
- step 03
Establish the light and shadow on the figures, paying attention to the form.
- step 04
Refine the skin tones, using subtle color variations to create a realistic effect.
- step 05
Add details to the clothing and hair, capturing the textures and folds.
- step 06
Develop the background landscape further, adding depth and atmosphere.
- step 07
Refine the facial features, capturing the likeness of the subjects.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall effect.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · yellow ochre
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green
Skin tones are achieved by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. The blue dress is a mix of ultramarine blue and white, with umber for shadows. Greens are created from blue, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·blending
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Overworking the skin tones, resulting in a flat or lifeless effect.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth in the background.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the shadows and highlights.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium can be used to thin the paints and improve flow.
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