plate no. 1973

Portrait of Elizabeth Sherman Cameron

Anders Zorn, 1900

oil, canvasArt Nouveau (Modern)portraitportraitfiguredressfancouchflowers

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, capturing light and shadow on fabric, and creating a sense of depth through layering and brushwork. It also provides practice in rendering floral patterns and skin tones.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and proportions of the figure, couch, and background.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in the large areas of color with thin washes.
step 03
Begin to build up the values and details of the face, focusing on accurate skin tones and subtle shading.
step 04
Develop the form and texture of the dress, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
step 05
Add the floral patterns on the dress, using a variety of brushstrokes to create visual interest.
step 06
Work on the background, creating depth and atmosphere with soft, blended colors.
step 07
Refine the details of the couch and fan, adding highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition, ensuring that the focal point is clear and the colors are harmonious.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · cadmium red · ivory black

secondary · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue · violet · raw umber

Mix various shades of white with yellow ochre and a touch of red to achieve the skin tones. Use a combination of red and white for the couch, and mix blues and violets for the floral patterns.

techniques