plate no. 3529

Portrait of Rebecca H. Whelan

Thomas Pollock Anshutz, 1910

oilRealismportraitportraitfiguredresschairinteriorwall

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric textures. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through subtle value shifts.

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 pose and proportions.
step 02
Establish the background and the large shapes of the figure with thin washes of color.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the dress and the surrounding objects.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Develop the details of the dress pattern, using a combination of direct painting and scumbling.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create form and depth.
step 07
Refine the details of the background and the surrounding objects.
step 08
Add final touches and glazes to unify the painting.

color palette

primary · red · white · brown · ivory

secondary · gold · black · ochre

Mix various shades of red by combining a base red with browns and white. Achieve the off-white tones by mixing white with small amounts of yellow ochre and burnt umber.

techniques