plate no. 9347

Portrait of Maria Carolina of Austria

oilNeoclassicismportraitportraitfiguredressred draperyhairjewelry

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as blending techniques for creating soft transitions in skin tones and fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, shoulders, and hands.
step 02
Block in the background with broad strokes of red and brown, establishing the overall tone.
step 03
Establish the light and shadow on the face, using thin layers of paint and careful blending.
step 04
Begin to define the details of the dress, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
step 05
Add the details of the jewelry and hair, using smaller brushes and precise strokes.
step 06
Refine the background and add any final details to the figure.
step 07
Glaze to unify the painting and adjust the colors as needed.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form.

color palette

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

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

Mix various shades of white with small amounts of yellow ochre, cadmium red, and ivory black to create realistic skin tones. Use burnt umber and cadmium red for the drapery, adjusting the mixture for highlights and shadows.

techniques