plate no. 6180

Portrait of Yvonne Seys

oilRealismportraitportraitfiguregirlflowerclothingfur

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding subtle color variations and blending techniques.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, shoulders, and hands.
step 02
Block in the background with a muted blue-gray tone.
step 03
Establish the main values of the face, hair, and clothing, using thin washes of color.
step 04
Develop the details of the face, paying attention to the subtle shifts in skin tone and the highlights in the eyes.
step 05
Add the details of the clothing, including the fur trim and the folds in the fabric.
step 06
Paint the flower, focusing on its delicate petals and vibrant colors.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting the values and colors as needed.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · viridian

Mix skin tones by blending white, raw umber, and a touch of red or yellow ochre. Create the background by mixing blue, white, and a small amount of umber. Achieve the dark tones of the clothing by mixing umber and blue.

techniques