plate no. 9990

Columbine

Max Beckmann, 1950

oil, canvasExpressionismsymbolic paintingfiguremaskhatcurtaincardsportrait

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and simplifying complex forms into bold shapes. It also provides practice in mixing and applying a limited color palette to create a cohesive and impactful image.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition of the figure and background.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Define the figure's features, including the mask, hands, and hat, using bold brushstrokes.
step 04
Add details to the clothing and background, such as the curtain and playing cards.
step 05
Refine the color palette and adjust values to create depth and contrast.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of volume.
step 07
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or brushwork.

color palette

primary · black · pink · green · purple

secondary · yellow · red · white

Mix blacks and purples with blues and browns for depth. Achieve pinks by mixing red and white, and greens by combining blues and yellows. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques