plate no. 2528

Beatrice Hastings, Seated

Amedeo Modigliani, 1915

oil, canvasExpressionismportraitfigureportraitwomanclothingshadowbackground

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying forms, mixing a limited palette of colors, and creating expressive brushstrokes to suggest texture and form. It also encourages exploration of abstracting facial features.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, focusing on proportions and pose.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of red-brown paint.
step 03
Establish the main color blocks for the figure's skin and clothing using a limited palette.
step 04
Develop the shadows and highlights on the face and body, blending softly.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, paying attention to the pattern and texture.
step 06
Refine the facial features, simplifying the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Add final touches and adjust values as needed.
step 08
Consider adding the signature in the bottom right corner.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ivory black · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix burnt sienna and raw umber with white to create the skin tones. Add small amounts of cadmium red for warmth and ultramarine blue for shadows. Use yellow ochre and white for the lighter areas of the shawl.

techniques