plate no. 3571
Sarah Siddons (1755–1831)
William Hamilton, 1784
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and subtle blending of skin tones. It also provides practice in creating a soft, atmospheric background.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head and facial features.
- step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of muted green/gray.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow on the face and neck.
- step 04
Begin blending the skin tones, paying close attention to subtle color variations.
- step 05
Add details to the eyes, nose, and mouth, focusing on accurate shapes and values.
- step 06
Paint the hair, using loose brushstrokes to suggest texture and form.
- step 07
Refine the edges of the figure and blend the background to create a soft, atmospheric effect.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · titanium white · raw umber · cadmium red light
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre
Skin tones are achieved by mixing white, red, and umber, with small amounts of yellow ochre and blue for shadows. The background is a mix of umber, blue, and white.
techniques
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·portraiture
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overblending the skin tones, resulting in a flat, lifeless appearance.
- →Incorrect proportions of the facial features.
- →Using too much contrast, making the portrait look harsh.
- →Neglecting the subtle color variations in the skin.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·painting easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-sized canvas (16x20 inches) is recommended for beginners.
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