plate no. 4091

Suzanne De Boubers De Bernâtre

oilBaroqueportraitportraitfiguredressdraperyflowerscolumn

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric and skin tones with subtle color variations. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and form through light and shadow.

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 proportions and placement of the figure and key elements.
step 02
Establish the background with thin washes of color, building up layers to create depth.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, including the dress, drapery, and skin tones.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Develop the details of the dress and drapery, using layering and blending techniques to create a sense of volume and texture.
step 06
Add the flowers and other details, using small brushes to capture their delicate forms.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting the values and colors to create a harmonious and balanced image.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of realism.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Create the blues by mixing ultramarine with white and a touch of black. The yellow dress is a mix of yellow ochre and cadmium yellow.

techniques