plate no. 8288

Portrait of Gladys Deacon

Giovanni Boldini, 1908

oil, canvasRealismportraitfigureportraitdresscouchrosesfan

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop their skills in capturing light and shadow with loose brushstrokes, as well as creating a sense of movement and energy in their work. It also provides practice in painting the human figure and drapery.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and the couch.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Start building up the details of the figure, paying attention to the highlights and shadows on the skin and dress.
step 04
Add the details of the roses and the fan, using small, precise brushstrokes.
step 05
Work on the background, using loose, expressive brushstrokes to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 06
Refine the details and adjust the values as needed.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any final adjustments.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · burnt sienna · rose madder

secondary · ivory black · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Mix white with small amounts of raw umber and rose madder to create the skin tones. Use white and ultramarine blue for the cooler tones in the dress and couch. Mix burnt sienna and raw umber for the darker areas of the background.

techniques

·alla prima
·broken color
·scumbling
·dry brush
·glazing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the spontaneity of the original painting.
→Failing to capture the subtle shifts in value and color.
→Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
→Using too much detail in the background, which can distract from the main subject.