plate no. 6123

Portrait of a Lady

oilBaroqueportraitportraitwomandressjewelryhairfigure

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones, as well as understanding dramatic lighting and shadow.

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.
step 02
Block in the background with dark, muted tones, focusing on creating depth.
step 03
Establish the main light source and begin layering in highlights and shadows on the face.
step 04
Develop the details of the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Paint the dress and jewelry, using a combination of thin washes and thicker impasto for texture.
step 06
Refine the hair, adding individual strands and highlights to create volume.
step 07
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a sense of harmony and balance.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson

secondary · yellow ochre · raw umber

Mix ivory black and titanium white to create various shades of gray for the skin tones and background. Use alizarin crimson and titanium white for the pink hues in the dress. Mix ultramarine blue with ivory black and a touch of alizarin crimson for the darker blues.

techniques