plate no. 7698

Female Brick Mason

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfigurebricksbuildingwindowapronconstruction

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive image. It will also help them understand how to create texture using visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the scene, focusing on the placement of the figure, bricks, and window.
step 02
Block in the main color areas: the brick red, the green of the shirt, the off-white of the apron, and the background.
step 03
Add darker tones to define the shadows and create depth in the bricks and clothing.
step 04
Introduce lighter tones to highlight the form and create contrast.
step 05
Use short, visible brushstrokes to add texture to the bricks and clothing.
step 06
Refine the details of the face and hands, paying attention to the proportions and expression.
step 07
Add the details of the background scaffolding.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.

color palette

primary · brick red · green · off-white

secondary · brown · gray · orange

Mix brick red by combining red, brown, and a touch of orange. Create the green by mixing blue and yellow, and adjust the hue with a touch of brown. The off-white can be achieved by mixing white with a small amount of yellow and brown.

techniques