plate no. 0123
Portrait of Susan MacDowell Eakins
Thomas Eakins, 1899
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and creating depth through subtle value changes. It also provides practice in rendering fabric and hair with loose brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic proportions and pose of the figure on the canvas.
- step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Begin building up the skin tones, paying close attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
- step 04
Define the features of the face, focusing on capturing the likeness of the subject.
- step 05
Paint the clothing and hair, using loose brushstrokes to suggest texture and form.
- step 06
Refine the details of the painting, such as the eyes, mouth, and hair.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the overall effect.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna
Mix skin tones by combining white, yellow ochre, raw umber, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Use ivory black and raw umber mixed with ultramarine blue to create the dark background and clothing.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overblending the skin tones, resulting in a flat, lifeless appearance.
- →Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
- →Using too much detail in the background, distracting from the main subject.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in color and value.
- →Getting lost in details too early.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·alizarin crimson oil paint
- ·round brushes sizes 2, 4, 6
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·painting easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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