plate no. 4877

Seated Angel

Abbott Handerson Thayer, 1921

oilRealismportraitangelfigureportraitwingshalodress

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering soft, diffused light. It also offers practice in depicting fabric folds and creating a sense of depth through subtle value changes.

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 and proportions of the figure, wings, and halo.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of blue paint.
step 03
Establish the main value ranges for the figure and wings, using a limited palette of earth tones and white.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the subtle shifts in value and color.
step 05
Develop the folds and drapery of the dress, using broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Add details to the wings, suggesting feathers with varied brushstrokes.
step 07
Paint the halo with a warm yellow, blending the edges softly.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of depth.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · raw umber · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow light

Achieve the skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt sienna. Use ultramarine blue and white for the background, adjusting the value with raw umber. Mix yellow ochre and cadmium yellow light for the halo.

techniques