plate no. 5065
Carmen Kaplan
Abdul Mati Klarwein, 1967
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in detailed rendering of textures, particularly rocks and hair, and understanding complex color relationships to create depth and atmosphere. It also encourages exploring surreal and imaginative compositions.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, rocks, and reflection.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, landscape, and rocks, establishing the overall value structure.
- step 03
Begin adding details to the face, paying close attention to proportions and subtle variations in skin tone.
- step 04
Develop the texture of the rocks, using layering and dry brushing techniques to create depth and dimension.
- step 05
Paint the hair, focusing on capturing the flow and individual strands.
- step 06
Create the reflection, paying attention to the distortion and color changes caused by the water.
- step 07
Add the green and red lines in the foreground, ensuring they are straight and evenly spaced.
- step 08
Refine the details and make any necessary adjustments to the overall composition.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · viridian green · alizarin crimson · cadmium yellow
Achieve the rock colors by mixing burnt umber, ultramarine blue, and white in varying proportions. Use yellow ochre and white for the highlights on the landscape. Mix viridian green and alizarin crimson for the darker greens and reds.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
- ·portraiture
common pitfalls
- →Oversimplifying the rock textures, resulting in a flat and unrealistic appearance.
- →Failing to accurately capture the proportions of the face.
- →Not creating enough contrast in values, leading to a muddy and undefined image.
- →Inconsistent line work in the foreground.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
- ·mineral spirits or water (for cleaning)
optional
- ·retarder medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality paints for best results. Consider using a medium to slow the drying time of the paints, allowing for more blending.
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