plate no. 1153

The mirror of nature

oilAcademicismportraitfigurelandscapewatertreesfoliageportrait

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including rendering skin tones and capturing likeness, as well as creating depth and atmosphere in a landscape setting.

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 placement of the figure and the main elements of the landscape.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme with a thin wash of warm undertones.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, paying attention to proportions and anatomy.
step 04
Begin layering in the skin tones, using subtle variations in color and value to create form.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, adding highlights and shadows to create texture and dimension.
step 06
Paint the background elements, focusing on creating depth and atmosphere through color and value.
step 07
Add the reflections in the water, using broken brushstrokes to suggest movement.
step 08
Refine the details and add finishing touches, paying attention to the overall harmony of the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red · sap green · raw sienna

Achieve skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, burnt umber, and titanium white, with small amounts of cadmium red for warmth. Create the greens by mixing ultramarine blue and yellow ochre, adjusting the proportions for different shades.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·blending
·rendering
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using colors that are too saturated or unnatural.
→Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·oil paints (burnt umber, yellow ochre, titanium white, ultramarine blue, cadmium red, sap green, raw sienna)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette knife
·rags or paper towels