plate no. 2757

Portrait of a woman

chalkBaroqueportraitportraitwomanfigureclothinghair

some experience helpful

Recreating this drawing will help students develop skills in cross-hatching, value shading, and capturing likeness through careful observation of facial features and proportions.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch of the overall proportions and pose of the figure.
step 02
Refine the sketch, paying close attention to the angles and curves of the face and clothing.
step 03
Start adding darker values in the areas of shadow, using cross-hatching to build up tone.
step 04
Gradually add mid-tones, blending them into the darker areas to create a smooth transition.
step 05
Pay attention to the direction of the light and how it affects the form of the face and clothing.
step 06
Add details such as the hair, eyes, and mouth, using fine lines and subtle shading.
step 07
Refine the overall drawing, adjusting values and adding highlights as needed.
step 08
Add final details and adjust contrast.

color palette

primary · sepia · white

secondary ·

The drawing uses a limited palette of sepia and white to create a range of values. Varying the pressure and density of the chalk strokes creates different shades.

techniques