plate no. 3311

The Sisters (Eleanor and Rosalba Peale)

oilNeoclassicismportraitportraitfiguressistersclothingdraperypalette

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions, skin tone mixing, and rendering of fabric textures. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin building up the skin tones, paying close attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
step 04
Develop the drapery and clothing, focusing on the folds and highlights.
step 05
Add details to the faces, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Refine the background and add any remaining details.
step 07
Glaze to unify the colors and create a sense of depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · burnt umber · cadmium yellow

secondary · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, alizarin crimson, and a touch of burnt umber. Darker tones can be achieved by adding ivory black or ultramarine blue. Use glazes of alizarin crimson and burnt umber to add warmth and depth to the shadows.

techniques