plate no. 9520

Woman Playing a Lute

oilHigh Renaissanceportraitfigurelutemusic bookportraitdresshair

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of skin tones, as well as understanding how to depict fabric and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes: the figure, lute, and music book.
step 02
Establish the background with a dark, muted tone.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the skin, dress, and lute, focusing on the overall values.
step 04
Develop the skin tones with subtle layering and blending, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 05
Add details to the dress, including the intricate trim and folds.
step 06
Render the lute with careful attention to its shape, texture, and details.
step 07
Paint the music book, capturing the details of the notes and pages.
step 08
Refine the details and add final touches, such as highlights and shadows.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue

Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Darken areas with burnt sienna and raw umber. Use ivory black to create the dark background.

techniques