plate no. 6091
Portrait of Maria Virginia Fabroni
Silvestro Lega, 1870
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting would help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and subtle color blending for skin tones. It also provides practice in rendering fabrics and details like jewelry.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, shoulders, and clothing.
- step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of neutral tones.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the skin, hair, and clothing, focusing on accurate values.
- step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the placement and shape of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 05
Develop the hair, using layers of color to create depth and texture.
- step 06
Add details to the clothing, including the collar, buttons, and brooch.
- step 07
Refine the background and adjust the overall values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details, such as the sparkle in the eyes and the texture of the hair.
color palette
primary · titanium white · burnt umber · yellow ochre · cadmium red light
secondary · ivory black · ultramarine blue · raw sienna
Skin tones can be achieved by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of cadmium red light. Burnt umber and ivory black can be used to create the dark tones in the hair and clothing. Add ultramarine blue to burnt umber for cooler shadows.
techniques
- ·portrait sketching
- ·color mixing
- ·blending
- ·layering
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions can ruin the likeness of the portrait.
- →Over-blending can result in a flat, lifeless appearance.
- →Using too much black can make the painting look muddy.
- →Neglecting the background can detract from the overall composition.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brush (size 8)
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·medium gloss
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-grit canvas will provide a good surface for blending and layering.
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