plate no. 1145

Portrait of Maria Anna of Neuburg

oilBaroqueportraitportraithorsefigureskylandscapeclouds

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in capturing the texture of different materials like fabric, skin, and foliage.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, horse, and landscape elements.
step 02
Establish the main color blocks for the sky, background, and foreground.
step 03
Begin painting the figure on the horse, starting with the underpainting of the skin tones and the red dress.
step 04
Develop the horse's form, paying attention to the highlights and shadows to create volume.
step 05
Add details to the background landscape, including the trees, clouds, and distant buildings.
step 06
Paint the figures on the ground, focusing on accurate anatomy and skin tones.
step 07
Refine the details of the clothing, horse tack, and facial features.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · titanium white · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ivory black

Mix various shades of red by combining cadmium red with burnt umber and titanium white. Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of cadmium red. Create atmospheric perspective by adding white to the blues and browns in the background.

techniques