plate no. 2522

Portrait of a Lady with Her Collie

oilRomanticismportraitfigureportraitdogdresschairbackground

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabrics, as well as understanding how to create depth and atmosphere through subtle value changes and brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figure, dog, and chair.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color, focusing on the overall tonal relationships.
step 03
Develop the background with loose, expressive brushstrokes, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 04
Refine the details of the face, paying close attention to the light and shadow to capture the likeness.
step 05
Build up the layers of the dress, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and movement.
step 06
Render the dog's fur with careful attention to the direction of the hair and the play of light.
step 07
Add the small details, such as the jewelry and the floral pattern on the dress.
step 08
Glaze and adjust the colors and values as needed to achieve a harmonious and unified effect.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue

Achieve the subtle variations in skin tone by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Use ivory black and raw umber to create the dark tones in the background and the dog's fur. Mix ultramarine blue with ivory black and white for the dress highlights.

techniques