plate no. 8008
Fille à la cigarette
some experience helpful
This painting offers a good opportunity to practice simplifying forms and capturing light with a limited palette. Students can learn to create depth through color temperature and value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, chair, and background.
- step 02
Establish the main color blocks for the skin, dress, hair, and background.
- step 03
Begin layering in the mid-tones and shadows, paying attention to the direction of light.
- step 04
Add highlights to the skin, dress, and other areas where light is most intense.
- step 05
Refine the details of the face, hands, and cigarette.
- step 06
Work on the background, adding details to the window and curtains.
- step 07
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed.
- step 08
Allow to dry and varnish.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson
Mix blues and whites for the dress, ochre and umber for skin tones, and use crimson to warm up shadows.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·color mixing
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
common pitfalls
- →overworking the details
- →muddying the colors
- →incorrect proportions
- →ignoring the light source
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·#2 round brush
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·mineral spirits
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for visible brushstrokes.
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