An oil painting study based on William-Adolphe Bouguereau’s Young Orphan Girl at the Fountain, 1883.

As part of my study of traditional painting methods, I worked from several of Bouguereau’s paintings to gain a deeper understanding of his methodology and approach to creating highly refined, realistic figures. I was particularly interested in his careful observation of form, subtle modelling, delicate flesh tones and controlled use of light and shadow.

Bouguereau (1825–1905) was a French academic painter renowned for his highly finished figurative works. Studying his paintings provided an opportunity to explore the techniques behind their realism and luminous quality.

This work forms part of my ongoing exploration of Old Masters realism and traditional European painting techniques.