plate no. 2646

Portrait of Mme Lemmen

oilPointillismportraitportraitfigureindoorchairwindow

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand color mixing for skin tones and learn the pointillism technique of applying small dots of color to create an image. It also provides practice in portrait composition and capturing likeness.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
step 02
Establish the main light and shadow areas with a thin wash of a neutral color.
step 03
Begin applying small dots of color, starting with the background.
step 04
Focus on building up the color gradually, layering different hues to create depth and dimension.
step 05
Pay close attention to the color temperature and how it changes across the figure and background.
step 06
Refine the details of the face and clothing, using smaller dots of color to create subtle variations in tone.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of realism.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments to the color or value.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson · titanium white

secondary · cadmium yellow · burnt umber · violet

Mix skin tones using white, yellow ochre, alizarin crimson, and a touch of ultramarine blue. Create the purplish shadows in the dress by mixing ultramarine blue and alizarin crimson. Achieve the golden background by layering yellow ochre, cadmium yellow, and burnt umber.

techniques

·pointillism
·color layering
·color mixing
·portrait drawing
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Applying dots too uniformly, resulting in a flat and lifeless image.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing, leading to a harsh and unnatural look.
→Losing the overall form and structure of the figure in the details.
→Ignoring the color temperature and how it affects the mood of the painting.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·oil paints
·small round brushes (#0, #1, #2)
·palette
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·palette knife
·rags

optional

·medium gloss
·easel
·mahl stick

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Small, round brushes are essential for creating the pointillist effect. A smooth canvas surface will make it easier to apply the dots of color.

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