plate no. 2391

Princess Mary as a Girl

Solomon Joseph Solomon, 1911

oilImpressionismportraitportraitfigurehatdresshairface

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice portraiture basics, including capturing likeness and using subtle color variations to create form. It will also develop skills in loose, expressive brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, hat, and background.
step 02
Establish the overall background tone with a thin wash of neutral color.
step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow on the face, hat, and dress using simplified color mixtures.
step 04
Refine the facial features, paying attention to proportions and subtle value changes.
step 05
Develop the details of the hair, using loose brushstrokes to suggest texture and volume.
step 06
Add the details of the hat, including the brim and any decorative elements.
step 07
Paint the dress and the blue flower, focusing on capturing the folds and highlights.
step 08
Add final touches and refine details as needed, ensuring a cohesive and expressive overall effect.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · burnt sienna

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light

Mix various shades of skin tones using white, raw umber, and small amounts of red and blue. Achieve the off-white tones of the dress and hat by adding small amounts of raw umber to white.

techniques