plate no. 9723

The Farmer's Daughter

Prudence Heward, 1945

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigurelandscapemountainsskyclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing for skin tones, and creating depth through layering and brushwork. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into expressive shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the basic shapes of the figure and background.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color for the skin, hair, clothing, and background.
step 03
Start layering in different skin tones, focusing on highlights and shadows.
step 04
Develop the details of the clothing, paying attention to the patterns and folds.
step 05
Refine the background, adding depth and texture to the landscape.
step 06
Add details to the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and contrast to create a cohesive image.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · burnt umber · raw sienna

Mix skin tones using yellow ochre, cadmium red, and a touch of ultramarine blue, adjusting the proportions for highlights and shadows. Create greens by mixing ultramarine blue and yellow ochre. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques