plate no. 8203

Young Girl Meditating (study)

oil, canvasRealismportraitfigureportraitdresswomanhandsdark background

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing subtle expressions and using a limited palette to create depth and form. It also emphasizes the importance of value in creating a sense of light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the darkest areas of the background using a dark brown or black.
step 03
Establish the main light source and begin to define the highlights on the figure's face, dress, and hands.
step 04
Mix a range of mid-tones using burnt sienna, yellow ochre, and white to create the form of the figure.
step 05
Use visible brushstrokes to suggest the texture of the dress and the form of the figure.
step 06
Pay close attention to the subtle variations in value to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the details of the face, paying attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of realism.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · raw umber · ivory black

Mix burnt sienna and yellow ochre in varying proportions to achieve the warm tones of the dress. Add white to create highlights and raw umber or ivory black to create shadows.

techniques