plate no. 2558

The Red Rose

John Lavery, 1923

oilImpressionismportraitportraitwomanchairrosedressfabric

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric folds. It also provides practice in color mixing to achieve subtle variations in skin tones and drapery.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure and chair.
step 02
Establish the background with broad strokes of red and brown, creating a sense of depth.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, including the dress, arms, and face, using simplified color masses.
step 04
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the subtle variations in skin tone and the play of light and shadow.
step 05
Develop the details of the dress, chair, and rose, adding texture and visual interest.
step 06
Blend and soften edges to create a sense of atmosphere and unity.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the forms.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and create depth.

color palette

primary · crimson red · ivory black · raw umber · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

Achieve skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, crimson red, and ivory black. Create variations in the red drapery by adding raw umber and ultramarine blue.

techniques