plate no. 6657

Portrait of Sarah Macholm in Prison

oil, canvasBaroqueportraitfigureprisontablewindowdressrosary

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in creating a limited palette and using value to create form. It also provides practice in capturing the texture of fabric and stone with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, table, and window.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, table, and background with their respective local colors.
step 04
Refine the values and edges of the figure, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Add details to the face, hands, and clothing, using small brushstrokes.
step 06
Develop the texture of the stone walls and the wooden table with visible brushstrokes.
step 07
Paint the window bars and the light coming through the window.
step 08
Add the rosary on the table as a final detail.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna

Use burnt umber and white to create a range of neutral tones for the walls and table. Mix black and white for the dress, and add touches of yellow ochre to warm the highlights.

techniques