plate no. 1465
Portrait of the Late Ms Partridge
Leonora Carrington, 1947
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in blending colors to create atmospheric effects and understanding how to depict surreal figures within a landscape setting. It also encourages experimentation with texture and brushwork to add depth and visual interest.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions of the figure and the bird.
- step 02
Block in the background sky and landscape with broad strokes, establishing the overall color scheme.
- step 03
Paint the figure's dress and the bird's body, using layers of color to create depth and dimension.
- step 04
Add details to the figure's face, hair, and hands, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone.
- step 05
Refine the details of the bird's feathers and the surrounding landscape, adding texture and visual interest.
- step 06
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the painting and create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of depth.
- step 08
Let dry and varnish.
color palette
primary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · raw umber · ivory black
Mix ultramarine blue and burnt sienna for the bird's body. Use cadmium red and burnt sienna for the dress. Mix white with small amounts of other colors to create highlights.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·blending
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
- →Inaccurate proportions of the figure and bird.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (small, medium, large)
- ·flat brushes (medium)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·odorless mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retarder medium
- ·easel
Use high-quality paints for best results. Consider using a medium to slow the drying time and allow for more blending.
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