plate no. 1491

Portrait of Lady Mary Fox, Later Baroness Holland

oilNeoclassicismportraitportraitfiguredogcurtaindresscolumn

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 subtle color variations and soft blending.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the main shapes and proportions of the figure, dog, and background elements.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the main areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin refining the skin tones, paying close attention to subtle shifts in color and value.
step 04
Develop the details of the dress, focusing on the folds, ruffles, and ribbons.
step 05
Paint the dog, capturing its form and texture with short, broken brushstrokes.
step 06
Add details to the background, including the curtain and column.
step 07
Refine the details and edges throughout the painting, ensuring a harmonious and balanced composition.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.

color palette

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

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix various shades of gray by combining ultramarine blue, burnt umber, and titanium white. Achieve skin tones by blending cadmium red light, yellow ochre, titanium white, and a touch of burnt umber. Use ivory black to darken colors and create shadows.

techniques