plate no. 4104
The Milkmaid
Raja Ravi Varma, 1904
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones, as well as understanding light and shadow on fabric.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the figure's pose and proportions.
- step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of warm yellow.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, paying attention to the overall values.
- step 04
Begin layering skin tones, using subtle variations of browns, reds, and yellows.
- step 05
Define the details of the clothing, focusing on the folds and shadows.
- step 06
Add highlights to the vessel and jewelry to create a sense of form.
- step 07
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes and mouth.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · ivory black
Mix skin tones by blending yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and titanium white. Use raw umber for shadows and cadmium red for subtle blush tones.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·blending
- ·portraiture
- ·figure drawing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Not paying enough attention to the proportions of the figure.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-grit canvas for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the painting process.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
