plate no. 0178

Portrait of Maria de Tassis

oilBaroqueportraitfigureportraitclothingjewelryrufffeather

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions, rendering of fabrics and textures, and creating a sense of depth and form through light and shadow. It also provides practice in capturing the likeness and personality of a subject.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figure.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Develop the details of the clothing, including the ruff, sleeves, and fabric folds.
step 05
Add the jewelry and other accessories, focusing on their textures and highlights.
step 06
Work on the background, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and adding details as needed.
step 08
Apply a final glaze to unify the colors and add a subtle sheen.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · yellow ochre · raw umber

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining ivory black, titanium white, raw umber, and small amounts of yellow ochre. Use alizarin crimson and cadmium yellow to create flesh tones, adjusting the proportions to achieve the desired warmth.

techniques