plate no. 8335

Portrait of Ank van der Moer

oilMagic Realismportraitportraitfigurelandscapeskybuildingclassical architecture

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and subtle skin tone variations, as well as rendering realistic drapery and atmospheric perspective in the background.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions of the figure and the placement of the background elements.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, starting with the background sky and water.
step 03
Begin to refine the figure, paying close attention to the light and shadow on the face and drapery.
step 04
Mix and apply the skin tones, building up layers of color to create depth and realism.
step 05
Develop the details of the drapery, using subtle variations in color and value to create a sense of volume.
step 06
Add details to the background landscape, including the building and the rocks.
step 07
Refine the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red light · viridian · ivory black

Achieve the subtle skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, raw umber, and a touch of red. The green drapery is created by mixing yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of black.

techniques