plate no. 3245

Portrait of Mrs. Louisa Jenner

oilRomanticismportraitportraitfiguredresstreeslandscapebirds

experienced study

Recreating this painting will develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and skin tones, as well as rendering fabric and creating a sense of depth in a landscape setting. Students will also learn about color mixing to achieve subtle variations in light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the figure's proportions and placement within the landscape.
step 02
Establish the background landscape with loose washes of color, defining the trees and distant water.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, paying attention to the folds and draping of the dress.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, focusing on accurate proportions and subtle shading.
step 05
Develop the details of the dress, including the ruffles and textures, using layering techniques.
step 06
Add the scarf, paying attention to the pattern and the way it drapes over the arm.
step 07
Paint the doves, focusing on their form and the way they interact with the light.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adding highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt sienna

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · viridian green

Mix various shades of blue for the dress by combining ultramarine blue with white and small amounts of other colors. Achieve skin tones by mixing white, burnt sienna, and small amounts of red and yellow.

techniques