plate no. 5201

A estudante russa

Anita Malfatti, 1915

oilPost-Impressionismportraitportraitfigurechairclothingwomanhair

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing, and expressive brushwork. It will also help them understand how to simplify forms and capture a likeness using bold strokes and a limited palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure and chair, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Block in the background with a mix of blues, greens, and browns, using loose brushstrokes.
step 03
Establish the main areas of light and shadow on the figure's face and clothing with broad strokes.
step 04
Mix the skin tones using a base of yellow ochre, white, and a touch of red, and apply to the face and hands.
step 05
Define the features of the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, with darker tones and smaller brushstrokes.
step 06
Add details to the clothing and chair, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and depth.
step 07
Refine the edges and blend the colors where necessary to create a cohesive image.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of realism.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green

Mix skin tones with yellow ochre, white, and a touch of red. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create dark shadows. Mix viridian green with yellow ochre to create muted greens for the background.

techniques