plate no. 1631
Portrait of Lucy Lee Robbins
Carolus-Duran, 1884
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric folds and textures. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere using subtle value shifts.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure and chair.
- step 02
Establish the background with broad, blended strokes of gray and muted colors.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, dress, and chair with dark values.
- step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to light and shadow.
- step 05
Develop the folds and textures of the dress, using a variety of brushstrokes.
- step 06
Add details to the chair and hat, capturing their unique characteristics.
- step 07
Introduce highlights and subtle color variations to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Refine the edges and details, ensuring a cohesive and polished final result.
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white · raw umber
secondary · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre
Mix blacks with blues and browns for depth. Use white sparingly to create subtle highlights. Muted tones are achieved by mixing complementary colors.
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·portraiture
- ·fabric rendering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using too much pure black, resulting in a flat and lifeless appearance.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the shadows.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·alizarin crimson oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-sized canvas (e.g., 18x24 inches) is recommended.
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