plate no. 6200

Portrait of Harriet, Viscountess Duncannon with Her Sons

oilRomanticismportraitfiguresportraitmotherchildrendraperyinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will allow students to practice portraiture, including capturing likeness and skin tones, as well as rendering fabrics and textures with subtle color variations. Students can also practice creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through soft blending and careful attention to light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main figures and compositional elements, paying attention to proportions and placement.
step 02
Establish the background with broad washes of color, focusing on the overall tone and atmosphere.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures, using simplified color mixtures to represent the basic skin tones and clothing.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the subtle variations in color and value that create form and expression.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing and drapery, using a variety of brushstrokes to suggest texture and movement.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension, focusing on the areas where light is most intense and where shadows are deepest.
step 07
Refine the edges of the figures and objects, softening or sharpening them as needed to create a sense of atmosphere and depth.
step 08
Add final details and adjustments to complete the painting, ensuring that all elements work together to create a cohesive and harmonious whole.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ivory black

Mix skin tones using titanium white, cadmium red light, yellow ochre, and a touch of ultramarine blue or raw umber to create shadows. Use white and ultramarine blue for the cooler tones in the clothing and background.

techniques