plate no. 2279

Portrait of the Artist's Niece, Dorothy

Frank Dicksee, 1917

oilRomanticismportraitfiguredogportraitdressfabricinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric folds, as well as understanding subtle color variations to create depth and form.

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 placement of the figure and dog.
step 02
Establish the background with broad strokes of gold and brown, capturing the texture of the fabric.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure and dog, paying attention to proportions.
step 04
Begin layering values on the face, building up highlights and shadows to define the features.
step 05
Develop the folds and highlights in the white dress, using thin washes of color.
step 06
Refine the details of the dog's fur and features, using small brushstrokes.
step 07
Add the purple sash and other details, such as the jewelry and background patterns.
step 08
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a sense of harmony and depth.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber

secondary · purple · ivory black · raw sienna

Mix various shades of white with small amounts of yellow ochre, burnt umber, and purple to create the subtle variations in the dress. Use ivory black mixed with burnt umber and a touch of white for the dog's fur.

techniques