plate no. 8610
Děvčátko
Josef Capek, 1920
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand simplified forms and color blocking to create a stylized portrait. Students will also practice creating a cohesive color palette with limited hues.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, hat, and background.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the background, using a mix of greens and whites.
- step 03
Paint the hat with a base of yellow ochre, adding highlights and shadows.
- step 04
Define the facial features using simplified geometric shapes and varying skin tones.
- step 05
Add the details of the dress, using blues and whites to create highlights and shadows.
- step 06
Paint the floral pattern in the background, using small brushstrokes.
- step 07
Add the details of the hat, including the blue floral pattern and the white accents.
- step 08
Refine the edges and details of the painting, paying attention to the overall composition.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · cerulean blue · titanium white · raw umber
secondary · cadmium red light · viridian green
Mix white with small amounts of red and yellow to achieve the skin tones. Use white to lighten the blues and greens for the background. Mix yellow ochre with a touch of raw umber for the hat's shadows.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·simplified forms
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·geometric abstraction
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and details.
- →Using too many colors and losing the cohesive palette.
- →Not paying attention to the value contrasts.
- →Making the background too busy and distracting from the figure.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·easel
- ·medium gloss
- ·retarder medium
Use a canvas with a smooth surface for easier blending. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly, but oils will give a richer color.
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