plate no. 4775

The First Chief Controller, Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps in France, Dame Helen Gwynne-Vaughan, CBE, DSC

William Orpen, 1918

oilPost-Impressionismportraitportraitfiguremilitary uniformhatchairwoman

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice portraiture, color mixing for skin tones and fabric, and capturing subtle light and shadow. Students can develop skills in loose brushwork and creating a sense of form with simplified shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, shoulders, and hands.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, using thin washes to establish the overall tones.
step 03
Mix skin tones using a limited palette of earth tones, white, and a touch of red and blue.
step 04
Develop the facial features, paying attention to the light and shadow on the face.
step 05
Paint the uniform, using different shades of green and brown to create depth and texture.
step 06
Add details such as the hat, buttons, and medals.
step 07
Refine the background with loose brushstrokes, suggesting the environment without being too detailed.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of realism.

color palette

primary · olive green · raw umber · titanium white · flesh tint

secondary · cerulean blue · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre, raw umber, and a touch of cerulean blue. Create skin tones by mixing flesh tint, raw umber, and white, adjusting the proportions to achieve the desired shade.

techniques