plate no. 2440
Auguste Pellerin (I)
Henri Matisse, 1917
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and using expressive brushstrokes to convey character. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms and working with a limited color palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, table, and background elements.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color using thin washes, focusing on the overall value structure.
- step 03
Begin to build up the darker values in the figure's suit and the shadows in the background.
- step 04
Add the mid-tones and highlights to create form and dimension, paying attention to the light source.
- step 05
Refine the details of the face, hands, and other key areas, using smaller brushstrokes.
- step 06
Introduce the secondary colors to add depth and interest to the painting.
- step 07
Adjust the overall composition and color balance as needed.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ivory black · burnt umber
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green
Mix various shades of brown and ochre by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and black. Use white to lighten these colors and create highlights. Mix greens by combining viridian green with yellow ochre.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·dry brush texture
- ·expressive brushstrokes
- ·color mixing
- ·simplification
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
- →Failing to capture the likeness of the figure.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Ignoring the overall value structure and creating a flat painting.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·viridian green oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
Use a medium-sized canvas to allow for expressive brushstrokes. Consider using a toned canvas to create a warmer base for the painting.
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