plate no. 5658

Portrait of An Uknown Woman in Black

oilPost-Impressionismportraitportraitwomandresschairfigurejewelry

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice portrait proportions, color mixing for skin tones, and creating depth through layering and brushwork. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and chair.
step 02
Block in the background with loose, blended brushstrokes of green and blue.
step 03
Establish the main values of the dress using dark grays and blacks, leaving room for highlights.
step 04
Mix skin tones using white, red, yellow, and a touch of blue, and apply to the face and hands.
step 05
Add details to the face, such as eyes, nose, and mouth, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 06
Refine the details of the dress, adding folds and highlights to create depth.
step 07
Add details to the jewelry and other accessories.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition and values.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · viridian green

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of black by combining ivory black with small amounts of ultramarine blue or burnt umber. Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of blue. Use viridian green mixed with white and blue for the background.

techniques