plate no. 0013

Portrait of Anna Pitt as Hebe

oil, canvasNeoclassicismportraitportraitfiguredresspitchereagleclassical

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and subtle skin tone blending, as well as drapery and fabric rendering.

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 figure's pose and proportions.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: skin, dress, background, and other objects.
step 03
Begin refining the skin tones, using subtle layers of color to create a realistic effect.
step 04
Develop the drapery, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
step 05
Add details to the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Paint the pitcher and eagle, focusing on their textures and forms.
step 07
Refine the background, adding subtle variations in color and tone.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · ivory black

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red and umber. Use ultramarine and white for the cool background. Mix burnt umber and black for the eagle.

techniques