plate no. 9924
Portrait of Princess Louisa of Great Britain
Jean-Étienne Liotard, 1754
some experience helpful
This painting is great for learning portraiture basics, focusing on skin tones and subtle shading. Recreating it will help develop skills in blending and capturing likeness.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head, shoulders, and chair.
- step 02
Establish the background with a dark, muted color.
- step 03
Block in the main skin tones using light pinks, yellows, and whites.
- step 04
Begin to define the facial features, paying close attention to proportions and placement.
- step 05
Add shadows and highlights to create depth and volume in the face and clothing.
- step 06
Work on the details of the dress, including the ruffles and patterns.
- step 07
Refine the hair and headwear, adding subtle variations in color and texture.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the portrait.
color palette
primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · rose madder
secondary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · ivory black
Mix skin tones by blending white, yellow ochre, and a touch of rose madder. Use ultramarine blue and raw umber to create muted grays for shadows.
techniques
- ·blending
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·portrait sketching
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →overworking the skin tones
- →incorrect proportions
- →flat or lifeless colors
- →losing the likeness
materials
surface · pastel paper
required
- ·pastel set
- ·pastel pencils
- ·pastel paper
- ·kneaded eraser
- ·blending stumps
- ·fixative spray
- ·drawing board
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·soft chamois cloth
- ·workable fixative
Use a sanded pastel paper for better pigment adhesion. Work in a well-ventilated area when using fixative.
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