plate no. 7409

Two small Girls with Bonnets

oilRococoportraitfigureschildrenbonnetsportraitroseclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly rendering delicate skin tones and soft fabrics. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through subtle color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the placement and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Establish the background with broad, blended strokes, creating a soft, atmospheric effect.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures, focusing on the overall forms and values.
step 04
Begin layering colors to build up the skin tones, using subtle variations to create depth and dimension.
step 05
Refine the details of the faces, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Add details to the bonnets and clothing, capturing the texture and folds of the fabric.
step 07
Paint the rose, focusing on its delicate petals and subtle color variations.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to create a cohesive and harmonious composition.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson · ivory black

secondary · cerulean blue · raw umber · cadmium yellow

Achieve the delicate skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and alizarin crimson. Use ivory black sparingly to create shadows and depth. Mix cerulean blue with white and a touch of crimson for the flower.

techniques

·blending
·layering
·glazing
·scumbling
·soft edges

common pitfalls

→Overworking the skin tones, resulting in a muddy or lifeless appearance.
→Failing to capture the subtle variations in color and value, leading to a flat and unconvincing result.
→Neglecting the background, which can detract from the overall composition.
→Getting lost in the details too early, before establishing the basic forms and values.