plate no. 3950

The Infanta Maria of Austria

oil, canvasBaroqueportraitportraitfigureclothinghaircollar

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding the use of light and shadow to create form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch of the composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, clothing, and skin tones with thin washes of paint.
step 03
Begin to build up the values and details of the face, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Develop the texture and form of the hair, using small, controlled brushstrokes.
step 05
Render the details of the collar, focusing on the subtle variations in color and value.
step 06
Add details to the clothing, including the buttons and fabric folds.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and adding highlights where needed.
step 08
Add final details and glazes to unify the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light

Mix skin tones using white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red and burnt sienna. Use ivory black and raw umber to create the dark background and shadows.

techniques