plate no. 2248

Ruby

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)allegorical paintingfigureflowersornamentdressjewelryhair

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, floral rendering, and creating harmonious color schemes with a limited palette. It also provides practice in replicating intricate decorative patterns.

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, flowers, and decorative elements.
step 02
Outline the major shapes and forms, paying attention to proportions and anatomical accuracy.
step 03
Apply a base layer of color to the background, figure, and flowers, using diluted washes.
step 04
Build up the colors gradually, adding depth and dimension with layers of glazes.
step 05
Define the details of the figure's face, hair, and clothing, using fine brushstrokes.
step 06
Render the flowers with careful attention to their form and texture, using a combination of blending and dry brushing.
step 07
Add the decorative elements and patterns, using precise lines and consistent spacing.
step 08
Refine the overall composition, adjusting colors and values as needed to create a cohesive and harmonious image.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · raw umber · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · ivory black

Achieve the skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt sienna. Vary the proportions to create highlights and shadows. Use red and burnt sienna for the flowers, adding white for lighter tones and black for shadows.

techniques