plate no. 0230

Bittersweet

Georges Rouault, 1935

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfigurewomanportraitdressseatedinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using bold outlines to define figures. It also encourages experimentation with color mixing to achieve specific skin tones and background hues.

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 and background, focusing on proportions and composition.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the background green, the figure's skin tone, the red top, and the blue skirt.
step 03
Mix the skin tone by combining yellow ochre, cadmium red, and white, adjusting the ratios for highlights and shadows.
step 04
Define the contours of the figure and objects with thick black outlines, varying the thickness for emphasis.
step 05
Add details like the facial features, jewelry, and flower in the hair, keeping the style simple and expressive.
step 06
Refine the colors and values, adding subtle variations to create depth and interest.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the form.
step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the composition, colors, or outlines.

color palette

primary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · ivory black

Mix skin tones using yellow ochre, cadmium red, and white. Vary the proportions for highlights and shadows. Create the background green by mixing viridian green with white and a touch of yellow ochre.

techniques