plate no. 4332
Portrait de la tante Octavie
Maximilien Luce, 1879
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting light and shadow within an interior scene, as well as capturing the texture of fabrics and the subtle nuances of skin tones using visible brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 7 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, chair, and fireplace.
- step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
- step 03
Block in the large shapes of color, such as the dress, chair, and background, using a limited palette.
- step 04
Begin to refine the details of the figure, paying attention to the folds of the fabric and the contours of the face.
- step 05
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension, using thicker paint and visible brushstrokes.
- step 06
Work on the background and surrounding elements, such as the fireplace and table, to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 07
Add final details and adjustments to the composition, ensuring that the overall painting is balanced and harmonious.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white
secondary · sap green · yellow ochre · ivory black
Mix various shades of brown and green by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, sap green, and white. Use small amounts of black to darken the shadows.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·alla prima
- ·value studies
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure, resulting in a flat and lifeless image.
- →Getting bogged down in details too early, before establishing the overall composition and color scheme.
- →Not paying enough attention to the subtle variations in color and tone.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, titanium white, sap green, yellow ochre, ivory black)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grit canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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