plate no. 0030

Blue head

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigureheadblueexpressionism

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and using a limited palette to create depth and form. It also encourages experimentation with texture and layering.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic outline of the head and shoulders, focusing on proportions.
step 02
Apply a base layer of blue for the background, leaving some areas for other colors to peek through.
step 03
Block in the dark areas of the face and hair with a dark brown or black, using bold brushstrokes.
step 04
Add highlights to the face and hair with white and lighter browns, following the direction of the light.
step 05
Introduce secondary colors like gray and brown to the background and edges of the figure to create depth.
step 06
Refine the details of the eyes, nose, and mouth, using smaller brushstrokes.
step 07
Add final touches of white and other colors to create texture and visual interest.
step 08
Allow to dry and consider a varnish for protection.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · gray

Mix black and blue for the darker skin tones. Use white to create highlights and lighter shades of blue and brown. Mix burnt umber and white for neutral tones.

techniques