plate no. 6500

Portrait of a lady traditionally identified as Elizabeth wife of Bishop Andrew Downe three-quarter-length seated in a blue dress

oilRococoportraitportraitfiguredresstablecurtaincolumn

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as blending techniques for creating smooth transitions in skin tones and fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions of the figure and the placement of key elements.
step 02
Block in the background with broad strokes, establishing the overall color and value.
step 03
Establish the main shapes and values of the figure, including the dress, shawl, and face.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the placement and shape of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Develop the details of the dress, including the folds and highlights, using a variety of brushstrokes.
step 06
Add details to the hair, using small, controlled strokes to create texture and volume.
step 07
Refine the background and add any remaining details, such as the table and curtain.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Titanium white · Burnt umber

secondary · Cadmium red · Yellow ochre

Mix Prussian blue and Titanium white for the dress, adding small amounts of Burnt umber to darken the shadows. Use Cadmium red and Yellow ochre to create the warm tones in the background and skin.

techniques