plate no. 1286

Summertime

oil, canvasRealismportraitportraitfigureflowersdressnecklacefoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones, as well as creating realistic textures in clothing and foliage using layering and glazing techniques.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure and flowers.
step 02
Establish the background with broad, blended strokes of dark browns and ochres.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, including the face, hair, and clothing, using simplified color masses.
step 04
Refine the facial features, paying attention to subtle variations in skin tone and highlights.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, adding folds and textures with varied brushstrokes.
step 06
Paint the flowers, focusing on capturing their individual shapes and colors, and suggesting depth through layering.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create dimension and form throughout the painting.
step 08
Glaze and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · raw sienna · alizarin crimson

Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, burnt umber, and small amounts of cadmium red and yellow ochre. Use ultramarine blue and titanium white for the dress, and mix various shades of red, yellow, and white for the flowers.

techniques