plate no. 5654

Portrait of Julia Parthenis

Konstantinos Parthenis, 1914

oil, canvasArt Nouveau (Modern)portraitportraitwomandresshatcurtaincarpet

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric textures. It also provides practice in creating depth and atmosphere through color and value variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the main shapes: the figure, hat, curtain, and background elements.
step 02
Establish the basic background colors, focusing on the wall and floor.
step 03
Block in the main values of the figure, starting with the darkest areas of the dress and hat.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying attention to proportions and subtle value changes.
step 05
Add details to the dress, including the white collar and any folds or textures.
step 06
Paint the curtain, focusing on the patterns and color variations.
step 07
Add details to the carpet, using small brushstrokes to create texture.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and adding highlights to create a sense of depth.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · cerulean blue · cadmium red

Mix ivory black and burnt sienna for the dark tones of the dress and hat. Use titanium white to create highlights and lighter values. Mix cerulean blue and titanium white for the wall.

techniques