plate no. 0764

Female Nude

Yiannis Moralis, 1950

oil, canvasExpressionismnude painting (nu)figureportraitnudeskin toneshairbackground

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in rendering skin tones and understanding subtle color variations. It also provides practice in capturing the human form and creating a sense of depth through layering.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic proportions and pose of the figure on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of burnt sienna and allow to dry.
step 03
Establish the main areas of light and shadow on the figure using a limited palette of skin tones.
step 04
Begin layering and blending colors to create smooth transitions and subtle variations in skin tone.
step 05
Refine the details of the face, paying attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Add details to the hair, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 07
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a sense of harmony and balance.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt sienna · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light

Mix skin tones by combining titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt sienna. Add small amounts of ultramarine blue or cadmium red light to adjust the temperature and create shadows.

techniques

·color mixing
·layering
·blending
·scumbling
·portraiture

common pitfalls

→Overmixing colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Neglecting the subtle variations in skin tone.
→Getting lost in details too early in the process.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Oil paints: titanium white, burnt sienna, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, cadmium red light
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Linseed oil
·Palette knife
·Rags