plate no. 9462

Portrait of Katharine Rice

Thomas Pollock Anshutz, 1900

oilRealismportraitportraitwomandressfanbowfigure

some experience helpful

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

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, paying attention to the pose and composition.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, starting with the background and then the larger areas of the dress and skin.
step 03
Begin to refine the shapes and values, focusing on the light and shadow patterns on the face and dress.
step 04
Add details to the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth, and refine the hair and accessories.
step 05
Work on the textures of the dress, fan, and other details, using brushstrokes to create the illusion of fabric and materials.
step 06
Refine the edges and transitions between colors and values, creating a sense of depth and realism.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · red · white · black · brown

secondary · yellow · pink · grey

Mix various shades of red by adding white, brown, or black to achieve the dress's highlights and shadows. Create skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow, and a touch of brown.

techniques