plate no. 6881
Woman's mission, comfort of old age
George Elgar Hicks, 1862
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, rendering fabric textures, and creating a sense of depth through subtle value changes. It also provides practice in capturing realistic skin tones and depicting complex folds in clothing.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and the chair.
- step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of color, paying attention to the wallpaper pattern.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures, using simplified forms and values.
- step 04
Begin refining the details of the faces, focusing on accurate proportions and subtle value changes.
- step 05
Develop the drapery and fabric textures, using a combination of blending and dry brush techniques.
- step 06
Add details to the chair and other objects in the room, paying attention to their form and texture.
- step 07
Refine the lighting and shadows, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · burnt sienna
secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten the colors and create highlights. Add small amounts of red and yellow to warm the skin tones.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·fabric rendering
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·blending
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong
- →Oversimplifying the fabric textures
- →Using too much detail in the background
- →Failing to create a sense of depth
- →Not capturing the subtle value changes in the faces
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 18x24
- ·Oil paints (ivory black, raw umber, titanium white, burnt sienna, cadmium red light, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue)
- ·Palette
- ·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Palette knife
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Retouch varnish
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-tooth canvas will provide a good surface for capturing the details of the painting.
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