plate no. 9254
Portrait of Vinnie Packard
Eastman Johnson, 1882
some experience helpful
This painting provides a good exercise in capturing subtle skin tones and rendering realistic fabric folds. It also offers practice in creating a focal point through careful value and color placement.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and the table.
- step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of muted green and brown.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the skin, hair, clothing, and table.
- step 04
Begin layering and blending the skin tones, paying close attention to the subtle variations in light and shadow.
- step 05
Develop the details of the hair, using small brushstrokes to create texture and form.
- step 06
Refine the folds and highlights in the clothing, especially the blue sash.
- step 07
Add details to the table, focusing on the carved ornamentation.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to enhance the overall realism and create a sense of depth.
color palette
primary · titanium white · raw umber · burnt sienna
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · ivory black
Mix skin tones by blending white, raw umber, and burnt sienna, adding small amounts of yellow ochre or ultramarine blue to adjust the warmth or coolness. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sash, adding a touch of black for shadows.
techniques
- ·blending
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overmixing colors, resulting in muddy tones.
- →Failing to capture the subtle variations in skin tone.
- →Creating overly harsh or defined lines.
- →Neglecting the importance of accurate proportions.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·assorted round and flat brushes
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-grain canvas will provide a good surface for blending and layering.
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