plate no. 2925

Portrait of Aurora Sanseverino

oilBaroqueportraitportraitfigurelacejewelryhairdress

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering delicate details like lace and jewelry. It also provides practice in using value to create form and depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch of the overall composition, focusing on proportions and placement of key features.
step 02
Establish the darkest and lightest values in the background and figure.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the face and clothing with mid-tones.
step 04
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Add details to the hair and jewelry, using small brushes and precise strokes.
step 06
Render the lace, focusing on the patterns and textures.
step 07
Adjust values and add highlights to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final details and refine edges.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · payne's gray · purple

Mix various shades of gray by blending ivory black and titanium white. Add small amounts of raw umber for warmth or payne's gray for coolness. Use purple for the jewelry.

techniques