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home·artworks·Žena fotke
Žena fotke by Matej Sternen

plate no. 5020

Žena fotke

Matej Sternen

oilImpressionismportraitfigureportraitwomandressreflectionindoor
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow with visible brushstrokes and mixing colors to achieve subtle variations in tone. It also provides practice in depicting the human figure and drapery.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figures and background.

  2. step 02

    Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in large areas of color with thin washes.

  3. step 03

    Begin building up layers of paint, focusing on capturing the light and shadow on the figures and dress.

  4. step 04

    Use short, visible brushstrokes to create texture and movement.

  5. step 05

    Mix colors on the palette to achieve subtle variations in tone and hue.

  6. step 06

    Pay close attention to the details of the face and hands, using smaller brushstrokes to define the features.

  7. step 07

    Refine the edges and contours of the figures and objects, softening them where necessary.

  8. step 08

    Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Crimson · Titanium White

secondary · Burnt Umber · Yellow Ochre

Mix Prussian Blue and Crimson to create the dark blues and purples of the dress. Add Titanium White to lighten the colors and create highlights. Use Burnt Umber and Yellow Ochre to create the warm tones of the skin and background.

techniques

  • ·Impasto
  • ·Broken Color
  • ·Scumbling
  • ·Wet-on-wet blending
  • ·Color Mixing

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
  • →Using too much detail and creating a stiff, lifeless image.
  • →Failing to capture the light and shadow on the figures and dress.
  • →Incorrect proportions of the figures

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
  • ·Oil paints (Prussian Blue, Crimson, Titanium White, Burnt Umber, Yellow Ochre)
  • ·Palette
  • ·Palette knife
  • ·#4 Round Brush
  • ·#8 Flat Brush
  • ·Odorless Mineral Spirits
  • ·Linseed Oil

optional

  • ·Medium gloss
  • ·Retarder

Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →color theory for painters →how to learn by studying the masters →
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