plate no. 1301
Portrait of a Woman
Abbott Handerson Thayer, 1888
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing subtle skin tones and creating depth with a limited color palette. It also encourages loose brushwork and understanding of light and shadow.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic proportions and pose of the woman's head and shoulders.
- step 02
Establish the background with a dark, muted color, leaving room for the figure.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of the face with light and shadow, focusing on the planes of the face.
- step 04
Mix skin tones using a limited palette of white, red, yellow, and brown, and apply in layers.
- step 05
Define the features of the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, with subtle variations in color and value.
- step 06
Paint the clothing with loose, expressive brushstrokes, capturing the folds and shadows.
- step 07
Refine the details of the hair and add highlights to the face and clothing.
- step 08
Adjust the overall composition and values to create a sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white · burnt sienna · yellow ochre
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light
Mix skin tones by combining white, red, yellow, and a touch of brown. Use black and blue to create the dark background and shadows in the clothing.
techniques
- ·alla prima
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·limited palette
- ·tonal painting
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive brushstrokes.
- →Using too much color and creating a muddy or unnatural skin tone.
- →Failing to establish a strong value contrast and creating a flat, lifeless painting.
- →Not paying attention to the proportions and anatomy of the face.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·oil paints (ivory black, titanium white, burnt sienna, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, cadmium red light)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·varnish
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium can be added to the paint to improve flow and drying time.
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