plate no. 2941
Three Girls from the Amsterdam Orphanage
Thérèse Schwartze, 1885
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding how to create depth and form through subtle value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures.
- step 02
Establish the background with a thin layer of dark brown, leaving areas for the figures.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures with simplified colors and values.
- step 04
Develop the skin tones, paying attention to the subtle shifts in color and value.
- step 05
Refine the details of the clothing, including the white caps and collars, and the red dress.
- step 06
Add the details of the book, the cat, and the background elements.
- step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white · burnt umber · cadmium red
secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Mix various shades of brown and black for the background and clothing. Create skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of blue. Use white to lighten the colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·value studies
- ·glazing
- ·blending
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the subtle shifts in color and value in the skin tones.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to thin the paint and improve flow.
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