plate no. 9481

Portrait of a Girl Wearing a Green Dress

oilPost-Impressionismportraitfigureportraitdresswomandark background

some experience helpful

This painting is a good exercise in capturing light and shadow on a figure and creating form with loose brushstrokes. Recreating it will help students understand how to simplify details and focus on essential values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic figure proportions and pose lightly on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the large shapes of the background and the figure's dress with thin washes of color.
step 03
Establish the darkest areas of the background and the shadows on the figure.
step 04
Begin adding highlights to the face, dress, and hands, focusing on the light source.
step 05
Refine the shapes and details of the face, paying attention to the subtle shifts in value.
step 06
Develop the folds and textures of the dress with short, expressive brushstrokes.
step 07
Soften edges where needed to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust values to create a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · ivory black · viridian green · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · cadmium red light

Mix greens by combining viridian green with ivory black and titanium white. Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, cadmium red light, and a touch of burnt umber.

techniques