plate no. 3695

Portrait of D. Amalio Gimeno

Joaquín Sorolla, 1919

oil, canvasImpressionismportraitportraitfiguregardenstatuefoliagearchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, capturing likeness and form with loose brushstrokes, and understanding subtle color variations in light and shadow. It also provides practice in depicting textures and details in a garden setting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and proportions of the figure, statue, and background.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in the main areas of color with thin washes.
step 03
Begin building up the form of the figure, focusing on the light and shadow patterns on the face and clothing.
step 04
Develop the background elements, such as the statue, foliage, and architecture, using loose, expressive brushstrokes.
step 05
Refine the details of the face, paying attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Adjust the colors and values as needed to create a harmonious composition.
step 08
Add final details and touches to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · raw umber · ivory black

secondary · cadmium red light · viridian · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of white with small amounts of yellow ochre, raw umber, and ivory black to create the subtle variations in the figure's clothing and skin tone. Use viridian and ultramarine blue to create the greens of the foliage, and cadmium red light for the flowers.

techniques