plate no. 1517

A Menina da Boina Verde

Mily Possoz, 1930

oilExpressionismportraitfigurebuildingsportraitflowerstownsky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, and in capturing the expressive qualities of a portrait within a stylized environment. Students will also learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the girl, buildings, and other elements, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for the sky, buildings, and figure using diluted washes.
step 03
Begin layering colors to define the forms and create depth, starting with darker values and gradually adding highlights.
step 04
Develop the details of the girl's face and clothing, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Add details to the buildings and surrounding environment, focusing on capturing the overall mood and atmosphere.
step 06
Refine the brushwork and add texture to the painting, using short, expressive strokes.
step 07
Add the flowers and details on the balcony.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors, values, and composition to create a cohesive and expressive artwork.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · raw sienna · rose madder · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light · sap green

Mix various shades of pink for the skin tones and flowers by combining white, red, and a touch of blue. Create muted earth tones for the buildings by mixing sienna, ochre, and umber.

techniques

·dry brush texture
·layering
·color mixing
·expressive brushwork
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using colors that are too saturated and not harmonizing with the overall palette.
→Ignoring the importance of brushwork in creating texture and depth.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes (various sizes)
·flat brushes (various sizes)
·palette
·linseed oil or acrylic medium
·palette knife

optional

·painting easel
·rags
·odorless mineral spirits
·retarder medium

Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for expressive brushwork. Oil paints will provide richer colors and blending capabilities, but acrylics are a good alternative for faster drying time.

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