plate no. 1093

Portrait of Antonia Canis

oilBaroqueportraitportraitfigureruffdresschaircolumn

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as rendering complex textures like fabric and lace. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and form through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the overall composition, focusing on the proportions and placement of the figure and major elements.
step 02
Establish the background with broad, blended strokes, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, paying attention to the light and shadow patterns.
step 04
Begin to refine the facial features, focusing on accurate proportions and subtle value changes to create form.
step 05
Work on the details of the clothing, including the ruff, dress, and jewelry, using smaller brushes and more precise strokes.
step 06
Add the details of the chair and other background elements, maintaining a consistent level of detail throughout the painting.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed to create a harmonious and balanced image.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix ivory black and raw umber for the dark tones of the dress and background. Use titanium white to create highlights and lighter tones. Mix small amounts of cadmium red and yellow ochre to create the skin tones.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·rendering fabric

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
→Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
→Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of form.
→Not creating enough contrast between light and shadow.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 16x20
·Oil paints (ivory black, titanium white, raw umber, cadmium red light, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue)
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·Palette
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Easel