plate no. 6887

Backstage at the Casino de Paris

Ossip Zadkine, 1921

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfiguresstagebackstagearchitecturecurtainsballet

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and understanding how to use a limited palette to create a cohesive and expressive artwork. It also encourages experimentation with color to depict light and shadow in a non-realistic manner.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and figures, focusing on proportions and composition.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color with diluted washes, starting with the lightest tones.
step 03
Gradually build up the darker values, layering washes to create depth and dimension.
step 04
Define the figures and architectural elements with slightly darker outlines.
step 05
Add details such as the stripes on the ballerina's tutu and the texture of the curtains.
step 06
Refine the values and adjust the color balance as needed.
step 07
Let each layer dry before applying the next to avoid muddying the colors.
step 08
Add final details and highlights.

color palette

primary · raw umber · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

secondary · ivory black · yellow ochre

Mix raw umber and ultramarine blue to create various shades of gray. Use burnt sienna to create the flesh tones and the red-brown color of the man's clothing. Add yellow ochre to the raw umber for warmer tones.

techniques

·watercolor washes
·layering
·dry brushing
·color mixing
·simplification

common pitfalls

→Overworking the washes and creating muddy colors.
→Losing the initial sketch and proportions.
→Using too much water and causing the paper to buckle.
→Being too literal with the colors and not embracing the expressive nature of the painting.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·watercolor paper 140lb
·watercolor paints (raw umber, ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, ivory black, yellow ochre)
·round brushes (various sizes)
·flat brush
·water container
·palette
·pencil
·eraser

optional

·masking fluid
·spray bottle
·kneaded eraser

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and ensure the colors blend smoothly. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve various effects.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

chat about this artwork

in this vein