plate no. 7414

Winter Sunshine

Ethel Léontine Gabain, 1935

oilNeo-Romanticismportraitportraitfigureindoorcurtainslaceflowers

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones with subtle color variations. It will also provide practice in depicting fabric textures and creating a sense of light and atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions and placement of the figure and key elements.
step 02
Establish the background with broad, loose strokes, paying attention to the light and shadow patterns on the curtains.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the figure, including the skin tones, dress, and hair.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, focusing on capturing the likeness and expression of the subject.
step 05
Develop the details of the dress and lace, using smaller brushes and more precise strokes.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension in the figure and background.
step 07
Introduce the floral elements in the hair, using small touches of color to add visual interest.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition, ensuring that the light and shadow are balanced and the colors are harmonious.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · titanium white · burnt umber

secondary · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue · viridian

Mix skin tones by blending yellow ochre, burnt umber, and alizarin crimson with white. Use ultramarine blue and viridian to create cooler shadows. Achieve the yellow of the dress by mixing yellow ochre with a touch of white and a hint of green.

techniques