plate no. 1157

Blond Woman

Helene Schjerfbeck, 1925

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigurewomanfacehairclothing

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in capturing a likeness with minimal detail and using a limited color palette to create a mood. Students will learn to suggest form with loose brushstrokes and subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic proportions of the face and figure on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin wash of neutral browns and grays.
step 03
Establish the main areas of light and shadow on the face using a light beige or off-white.
step 04
Add the blue tones for the clothing, using broad, loose strokes.
step 05
Refine the facial features, focusing on the eyes, nose, and mouth, using subtle variations in value.
step 06
Mix a deep red for the lips and apply with a small brush.
step 07
Add final touches to the hair and background, blending edges and softening harsh lines.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making adjustments as needed.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red light · ivory black

Mix various shades of gray by combining white, umber, and a touch of blue or black. Achieve the skin tones by mixing white with small amounts of umber and red.

techniques

·dry brushing
·scumbling
·limited palette
·alla prima
·blending

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive quality.
→Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
→Failing to establish a clear value structure.
→Getting bogged down in precise realism instead of capturing the essence of the subject.