plate no. 6301

Portrait of Edith Sitwell

Roger Fry, 1918

oilPost-Impressionismportraitportraitfigurewomanjewelrydressprofile

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and understanding planes of the face. It will also improve their ability to mix subtle color variations and create form with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head and shoulders.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and then the skin tones, hair, and dress.
step 03
Refine the shapes and values of the face, paying attention to the planes and shadows.
step 04
Add details to the hair, jewelry, and clothing, using smaller brushstrokes.
step 05
Mix subtle color variations to create depth and form.
step 06
Define the edges of the shapes and add highlights to create a sense of light.
step 07
Refine the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments.
step 08
Add final details and touch-ups.

color palette

primary · gray · olive green · black · flesh tones

secondary · white · yellow ochre · raw umber

Mix flesh tones by combining white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red or burnt sienna. Use gray as a base for many colors, adjusting with small amounts of other pigments.

techniques