plate no. 8657
Portrait of Alma
Carl Larsson, 1887
some experience helpful
This painting provides a good opportunity to practice blending pastel colors to create soft transitions and capturing the likeness of a portrait subject. Students can also learn about creating depth and form using subtle value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, shoulders, and hat.
- step 02
Establish the background color with a light layer of blue pastel, blending it smoothly.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the face, hair, and clothing, using corresponding pastel colors.
- step 04
Begin building up layers of color on the face, focusing on the highlights and shadows to create form.
- step 05
Add details to the hair, using short, broken strokes to suggest texture and volume.
- step 06
Develop the clothing, paying attention to the folds and creases, and using darker values to create depth.
- step 07
Refine the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth, to capture the likeness of the subject.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to the painting, and blend the colors to create a soft, impressionistic effect.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · flesh tones · burnt sienna
secondary · black · white · yellow ochre
Mix flesh tones by blending white, burnt sienna, and a touch of yellow ochre. Use ultramarine blue and black to create the darker shades of blue for the clothing and hat.
techniques
- ·pastel blending
- ·layering
- ·hatching
- ·scumbling
- ·portraiture
common pitfalls
- →Overblending, which can result in a muddy or lifeless appearance.
- →Neglecting the underlying sketch, which can lead to inaccuracies in proportion and form.
- →Using too much pressure when applying the pastel, which can make it difficult to blend.
- →Ignoring the subtle value changes, which can flatten the image.
materials
surface · pastel paper
required
- ·assorted soft pastels
- ·pastel paper
- ·kneaded eraser
- ·fixative spray
- ·drawing board
- ·paper towels
- ·blending stumps
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·workable fixative
- ·pastel pencils
Use a sanded pastel paper for better adhesion of the pastels. Work in a well-ventilated area when using fixative spray.
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