plate no. 1140

Fatma (II)

Henri Matisse, 1912

oilFauvismportraitfigureportraitclothingseatedindoortextiles

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms and using bold, expressive brushstrokes to define shapes and create texture. It's also a good exercise in color mixing and understanding how to create a sense of depth with limited values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure and background, focusing on proportions and composition.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: blue for the background, red for the clothing, and a base tone for the skin.
step 03
Add the details of the clothing, such as the yellow trim and the patterned bowl, using simplified shapes and colors.
step 04
Define the facial features with simple lines and shadows, paying attention to the expression.
step 05
Add the red dots to the background, varying their size and placement for visual interest.
step 06
Refine the brushstrokes and edges, using short, expressive strokes to create texture and movement.
step 07
Adjust the colors and values as needed to create a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · yellow ochre · raw umber

secondary · titanium white · burnt sienna

Mix various shades of blue by adding white or a touch of red. Create skin tones by mixing raw umber, yellow ochre, and white. Use red and yellow to create oranges for the details.

techniques