plate no. 4603
Dr Rosa Schapire
Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, 1919
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand color theory and how to use non-realistic color to express emotion. It will also develop skills in simplifying forms and using bold brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the portrait, focusing on proportions.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas using simplified shapes for the face, clothing, and background.
- step 03
Start with the darkest values, then add mid-tones and highlights, maintaining the expressive color choices.
- step 04
Define the features of the face with bold brushstrokes, using contrasting colors to create depth.
- step 05
Add details to the clothing and background, focusing on the direction and texture of the brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the edges and shapes, adjusting the colors and values as needed.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to enhance the overall impact of the painting.
- step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to achieve a cohesive and expressive result.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · cadmium yellow · viridian green
secondary · burnt umber · titanium white · pink
Mix greens by combining yellow and blue, and create various shades of skin tones by mixing red, yellow, and a touch of blue. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·expressive brushstrokes
- ·simplified forms
- ·color mixing
- ·impasto
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending the colors, losing the expressive brushstrokes.
- →Getting bogged down in details too early.
- →Not simplifying the forms enough.
- →Using colors that are too realistic and not expressive enough.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
- ·odorless mineral spirits (for oil paints)
Use a medium-sized canvas to allow for expressive brushstrokes. Acrylics are a good option for beginners due to their fast drying time.
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