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home·artworks·Anita Lopez in the form of scout
Anita Lopez in the form of scout by Alexandre Jacovleff

plate no. 5585

Anita Lopez in the form of scout

Alexandre Jacovleff, 1934

oilExpressionismportraitfigureportraitclothingbackpackshoesscout
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of light and shadow on the human form, as well as capturing realistic textures of clothing and accessories.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Create a light sketch of the overall composition, paying attention to proportions and pose.

  2. step 02

    Establish the main areas of light and shadow using a mid-tone base color.

  3. step 03

    Begin building up the skin tones, using subtle variations in color to create form.

  4. step 04

    Work on the clothing, focusing on the folds and drapery to create a sense of volume.

  5. step 05

    Add details to the backpack and shoes, paying attention to texture and form.

  6. step 06

    Refine the background, keeping it simple and understated.

  7. step 07

    Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.

  8. step 08

    Review the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Mix raw umber and white for the base tones of the clothing and skin. Add small amounts of burnt sienna and cadmium red for warmth in the skin tones. Use ultramarine blue to cool down shadows.

techniques

  • ·portraiture
  • ·value shading
  • ·blending
  • ·hatching
  • ·dry brushing

common pitfalls

  • →Getting the proportions wrong in the initial sketch.
  • →Overworking the skin tones and losing the subtle variations.
  • →Ignoring the folds and drapery in the clothing.
  • →Creating too much contrast and losing the overall harmony.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·raw umber oil paint
  • ·burnt sienna oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·cadmium red light oil paint
  • ·ultramarine blue oil paint
  • ·#4 round brush
  • ·#6 flat brush

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·odorless mineral spirits

Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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