plate no. 6527

Scarlet

oilContemporary Realismportraitportraitfigurewomandraperyhairface

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones. It will also improve their understanding of light and shadow and how to create form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, shoulders, and drapery.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the background and major areas of light and shadow with thin washes.
step 03
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the placement and proportions of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 04
Develop the skin tones by layering and blending different colors, focusing on subtle shifts in value and hue.
step 05
Work on the hair, using a variety of brushstrokes to suggest texture and form.
step 06
Refine the drapery, paying attention to the folds and shadows.
step 07
Add highlights and details to bring the painting to life.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · burnt umber · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light

Mix skin tones using white, black, burnt umber, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Achieve the blue drapery by mixing ultramarine blue with black and white for different values.

techniques