plate no. 5145
Der violette Turban
Alexej von Jawlensky, 1911
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to use color to create form and emotion, and how to simplify complex subjects into basic shapes and colors. It will also help them practice visible brushstrokes and color mixing.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the head, hat, and shoulders lightly on the canvas.
- step 02
Block in the background with a solid layer of blue.
- step 03
Apply a base layer of yellow to the face and neck.
- step 04
Add orange and red tones to the cheeks, nose, and forehead.
- step 05
Paint the hat with a mix of purple and white, adding touches of yellow.
- step 06
Define the eyes, lips, and other facial features with darker colors.
- step 07
Paint the red shirt, adding highlights and shadows.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust colors as needed.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · cadmium yellow · titanium white
secondary · purple · orange · green
Mix purple by combining red and blue. Create orange by mixing red and yellow. Achieve skin tones by mixing yellow, red, and white, with small amounts of blue or green to create shadows.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·visible brushstrokes
- ·color mixing
- ·layering
- ·impasto
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Not simplifying the shapes enough.
- →Using too much detail in the face.
- →Being afraid to use bold colors.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·#4 round brush
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·easel
- ·rags
- ·medium gloss
Use a limited palette of colors to simplify the mixing process. Consider using acrylics for faster drying time.
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