plate no. 9405

Piergiacomo and Maria Leva

oil, canvasRomanticismportraitportraitfiguresclothingfurnituredraperyglobe

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of skin tones, as well as the ability to depict complex textures like fabric and fur.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and placement of figures and key elements.
step 02
Establish the background colors and general lighting.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures, paying attention to the overall form and pose.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, focusing on accurate placement and subtle shading.
step 05
Develop the clothing and drapery, capturing the folds and textures.
step 06
Add details like jewelry, buttons, and fur trim.
step 07
Refine the lighting and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · viridian green · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red; create darks with ivory black and burnt umber. Mix greens with viridian, yellow ochre, and white.

techniques