plate no. 1040

Susannah Walker (1760–1831)

oilRococoportraitportraitwomandressurnlandscapetree

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric folds. It also provides practice in creating depth through atmospheric perspective in the background.

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 the placement of the figure and the urn.
step 02
Block in the main colors of the background, using darker tones for the trees and lighter tones for the sky.
step 03
Establish the basic shapes and values of the figure, paying attention to the proportions and pose.
step 04
Begin to refine the details of the face, focusing on capturing the likeness of the subject.
step 05
Add the details of the dress, paying attention to the folds and drapery.
step 06
Paint the urn, paying attention to the details of the carvings and the texture of the stone.
step 07
Refine the details of the background, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to the entire painting.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium yellow · ivory black · alizarin crimson

Mix various shades of white with small amounts of blue, umber, and yellow to create the subtle tones of the dress and skin. Use a combination of blue and white for the drapery, and mix umber and ochre for the urn.

techniques