plate no. 3882

Who Shall Deliver Me?

chalkSymbolismillustrationportraitfigurewomanarchitectureclothingjewelry

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portrait drawing, blending chalk pastels for subtle skin tones, and creating atmospheric perspective in the background. It also introduces the concept of symbolic representation in art.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch of the overall composition, paying attention to proportions and placement of the figure and background elements.
step 02
Establish the basic skin tone with a light layer of pastel, focusing on the planes of the face.
step 03
Gradually build up the shadows and highlights on the face, using blending techniques to create smooth transitions.
step 04
Add the details of the hair, clothing, and jewelry, paying attention to the textures and patterns.
step 05
Develop the background architecture, using lighter values and less detail to create a sense of depth.
step 06
Refine the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth, to capture the likeness of the subject.
step 07
Add final touches and highlights to the entire composition, ensuring a cohesive and balanced image.
step 08
Use a fixative spray to protect the pastel drawing.

color palette

primary · red ochre · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · raw umber

Skin tones are achieved by layering and blending red ochre, white, and small amounts of black. The background uses muted tones of raw umber and blue to create a sense of distance.

techniques

·blending
·layering
·hatching
·scumbling
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Overworking the pastel and losing the freshness of the drawing.
→Creating harsh lines instead of smooth transitions.
→Failing to establish accurate proportions in the initial sketch.
→Not using enough fixative, causing the pastel to smudge.

materials

surface · toned pastel paper

required

·pastel pencils
·soft pastels
·drawing paper (toned)
·kneaded eraser
·blending stumps
·fixative spray

optional

·palette knife
·sandpaper block
·workable fixative

Using toned paper will help establish the mid-tones and make it easier to build up the highlights and shadows. Choose a paper with a slightly rough texture to hold the pastel.

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