plate no. 7055

Portrait of Lillie Langtry

oilRomanticismportraitfigureportraitdressflowerschairpearls

experienced study

Recreating this painting will develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding light and shadow to create form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch of the overall composition, paying attention to proportions and placement of the figure.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, starting with the background and then the larger shapes of the figure's dress and skin.
step 03
Begin to refine the skin tones, using subtle variations in color to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 04
Work on the details of the dress, including the folds, textures, and embellishments.
step 05
Add the details of the face, focusing on capturing the likeness and expression of the subject.
step 06
Paint the flowers, paying attention to their delicate petals and subtle color variations.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed to create a harmonious and balanced image.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

secondary · raw umber · burnt sienna · viridian

Mix skin tones using white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. Achieve the gold fabric color by layering yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and white.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·scumbling
·blending
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of the figure
→Overblending skin tones, resulting in a flat appearance
→Getting the likeness of the face wrong
→Ignoring subtle color variations

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 18x24
·Oil paints (ivory black, titanium white, cadmium red light, yellow ochre, raw umber, burnt sienna, viridian)
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·Palette
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Soft cloth