plate no. 1900

Pierrette

oilAcademicismportraitportraitfigurefanhatglovestable

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in rendering facial features and clothing, and in creating a sense of depth through value contrast and subtle color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, fan, and hat.
step 02
Block in the background with a dark, neutral tone.
step 03
Establish the main areas of light and shadow on the face, hat, and fan using thin washes of color.
step 04
Begin to refine the facial features, paying close attention to the subtle variations in skin tone.
step 05
Add details to the hat, including the texture and folds.
step 06
Develop the fan, focusing on the radial lines and the subtle gradations of color.
step 07
Paint the gloves and the table, capturing their textures and forms.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt umber · cadmium red light · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna

Mix various shades of brown and gray for the background and shadows. Use white to lighten the colors for highlights. Mix red and white for the fan, adjusting the ratio for different shades.

techniques