plate no. 4718

Study of a Girl in White

oilRealismportraitfigureportraitdressflowershairnecklace

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones, as well as understanding subtle color variations and creating depth through value contrast.

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 figure, focusing on the head, shoulders, and hands.
step 02
Establish the background with broad strokes of dark browns and grays, creating a sense of depth.
step 03
Block in the main areas of the dress with white, paying attention to the folds and shadows.
step 04
Begin to refine the skin tones, using a limited palette of colors to create subtle variations in light and shadow.
step 05
Add the details of the hair, eyes, and mouth, focusing on capturing the likeness of the subject.
step 06
Paint the flowers, using small brushstrokes to create texture and detail.
step 07
Add the black details of the necklace and belt, ensuring they are dark and defined.
step 08
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed to create a harmonious and balanced painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt umber · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · ivory black

Skin tones are achieved by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Dark areas are created by mixing burnt umber and ivory black. The white of the dress is not pure white, but rather a range of off-whites and grays.

techniques