plate no. 7118
A woman with a hat
Georgi Kovachev, 1986
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying forms and using expressive brushstrokes to create texture and depth. It also provides an opportunity to explore color mixing and value relationships within a limited palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, hat, and cloak.
- step 02
Block in the background with broad strokes of blue and white.
- step 03
Establish the main color areas of the cloak using dark green and blue-green mixtures.
- step 04
Paint the face using a limited palette of browns, oranges, and reds.
- step 05
Add shadows and highlights to define the form of the face and cloak.
- step 06
Paint the hat using grays and blacks, paying attention to the direction of the brushstrokes.
- step 07
Refine the details of the face and clothing, adding subtle color variations.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · Prussian Blue · Emerald Green · Burnt Sienna · Titanium White
secondary · Yellow Ochre · Black
Mix greens by combining blue and yellow. Create skin tones by mixing burnt sienna, white, and a touch of red or yellow. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·Impasto
- ·Color Mixing
- ·Blocking In
- ·Expressive Brushwork
- ·Simplifying Forms
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Not simplifying the forms enough.
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched Canvas (12x16 inches)
- ·Acrylic or Oil Paints
- ·Round Brush (#4)
- ·Flat Brush (#8)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette Knife
- ·Odorless Mineral Spirits (if using oil paints)
- ·Linseed Oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·Medium Gloss
- ·Easel
- ·Apron
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. If using acrylics, consider using a retarder to slow down the drying time.
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