plate no. 0430

Portrait of Mary Pixtons

oilRococoportraitportraitfiguredresslacehead coveringfemale

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and subtle blending of skin tones. It will also provide practice in rendering delicate fabrics and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, shoulders, and dress.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin, even layer of color.
step 03
Establish the main skin tones, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 04
Begin layering and blending the skin tones to create a smooth, realistic effect.
step 05
Paint the dress, focusing on the folds and drapery.
step 06
Carefully render the lace head covering, paying attention to the intricate details.
step 07
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and adding final touches.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

secondary · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and small amounts of red and blue. Use white with a touch of blue for the background. Mix white with small amounts of black and yellow ochre for the dress and lace.

techniques