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home·artworks·She is fond of prints
She is fond of prints by Marià Fortuny

plate no. 2919

She is fond of prints

Marià Fortuny, 1866

oilRomanticismgenre paintingfiguredressinteriorpaintingtableflowers
some experience helpful

This painting provides a good exercise in capturing light and shadow on fabric and creating a sense of depth with loose brushstrokes. Students can learn to simplify complex forms and focus on the overall impression rather than precise details.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the main elements.

  2. step 02

    Establish the dark background areas with a thin wash of dark brown or black.

  3. step 03

    Block in the main shapes of the dress and figure with a light ochre or yellow.

  4. step 04

    Add shadows to the dress using burnt umber and a touch of blue.

  5. step 05

    Define the highlights on the dress with white and yellow, using short, broken brushstrokes.

  6. step 06

    Paint the details of the face, hands, and the painting the figure is holding.

  7. step 07

    Add the details of the table and the flowers, using small touches of red and green.

  8. step 08

    Refine the overall composition and add any final touches.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · sap green

Mix ochre with white for highlights, umber and blue for shadows, and red/green for floral accents.

techniques

  • ·broken color
  • ·scumbling
  • ·chiaroscuro
  • ·alla prima
  • ·wet-on-dry

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details
  • →Making the colors too saturated
  • →Losing the sense of light and shadow
  • →Not simplifying the forms enough

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas 12x16
  • ·#4 round brush
  • ·#6 filbert brush
  • ·yellow ochre oil paint
  • ·burnt umber oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·linseed oil

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·turpentine
  • ·medium gloss

Use a medium-tooth canvas for better texture.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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