plate no. 2489

Portrait of Marie-Antoinette Queen of France in crimson dress holding a book

oilRococoportraitportraitfiguredresslacebookpillow

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as techniques for rendering fabric and delicate details like lace.

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 colors of the background, dress, and skin tones.
step 03
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 04
Develop the details of the dress, including the folds, shadows, and highlights.
step 05
Paint the lace and other intricate details, using fine brushes and careful strokes.
step 06
Add the book and pillow, paying attention to their textures and colors.
step 07
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and colors as needed.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · crimson red · ivory white · gold · grey

secondary · burnt umber · sap green · rose madder

Mix skin tones using ivory white, rose madder, and a touch of yellow ochre. Achieve the crimson red by mixing alizarin crimson with a touch of burnt sienna. Create the grey background by mixing ivory white and burnt umber.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·scumbling
·rendering fabric
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Inaccurate proportions of the figure.
→Difficulty capturing the likeness of the subject.
→Overworking the details, resulting in a stiff or unnatural appearance.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and dimension.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·Oil paints (crimson red, ivory white, gold, grey, burnt umber, sap green, rose madder)
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Soft cloths