plate no. 5544

Woman with a candle

oil, panelRomanticismportraitfigurecandledresslightshadowportrait

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand dramatic lighting and how to create form using value contrast. It also provides practice in rendering fabric and skin tones under challenging lighting conditions.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a simple sketch outlining the figure and major shapes.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the background and figure.
step 03
Block in the general areas of light and shadow on the figure's dress and face.
step 04
Begin refining the light source around the candle, focusing on the brightest highlights.
step 05
Develop the mid-tones and subtle gradations in the dress and face to create form.
step 06
Add details to the face, hands, and candle holder.
step 07
Refine the edges and details in the background to create depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the dramatic lighting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna

Mix ivory black and burnt umber for deep shadows. Use titanium white to create highlights, and mix with yellow ochre or raw sienna for warmer tones in the light areas.

techniques