plate no. 7559

Chauvel

Marcel Duchamp, 1910

oil, canvasFauvismportraitportraitmanfigureclothingface

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting helps students understand color temperature and how to use visible brushstrokes to create form and texture. It also provides practice in simplifying complex shapes into basic forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the head, shoulders, and clothing, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Block in the background with a mix of greens, browns, and yellows, using loose brushstrokes.
step 03
Establish the main areas of light and shadow on the face with pinks, purples, and browns.
step 04
Define the features of the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using darker tones.
step 05
Paint the clothing with broad strokes of blue, gray, and white, suggesting the folds and texture.
step 06
Add highlights to the face and clothing with lighter tones to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the details of the painting, such as the hair, mustache, and collar, using smaller brushes.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments to the colors and values.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Cadmium red · Yellow ochre · Titanium white

secondary · Burnt umber · Viridian green · Ultramarine blue

Mix pinks by combining red and white, and use blue and yellow to create various shades of green. Browns can be achieved by mixing red, yellow, and blue.

techniques