plate no. 0925

Daphne at Paravola

Felice Casorati, 1934

oilExpressionismportraitfigurelandscapewindowdraperyportraitfields

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing, particularly creating muted and harmonious color palettes, and understanding how to depict form using subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, window, and landscape.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: the sky, fields, figure's dress, and interior spaces.
step 03
Refine the colors in the landscape, paying attention to the subtle variations in the fields and hills.
step 04
Develop the form of the figure, using light and shadow to create depth.
step 05
Add details to the window frame and drapery, capturing their texture and form.
step 06
Mix and apply the various shades of blue for the dress, focusing on subtle value changes.
step 07
Refine the facial features and hands, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Yellow Ochre · Titanium White

secondary · Burnt Umber · Cadmium Yellow · Ultramarine Blue

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors (e.g., blue and orange) and adding white to soften the intensity. Use yellow ochre and white for the fields, and varying shades of blue for the figure and drapery.

techniques