plate no. 0838

From the catacombs in Palermo II

Otto Dix, 1924

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigureheadexpressiontorso

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in loose watercolor washes and expressive line work to capture emotion. It also encourages experimentation with color mixing to achieve nuanced skin tones.

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 proportions of the figure with a pencil.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted brown or ochre watercolor to the entire figure as a base layer.
step 03
While the base layer is still damp, add darker washes of brown and black to create shadows and define the form.
step 04
Introduce hints of blue and red into the skin tones for added depth and realism.
step 05
Use a fine brush to add details such as the eyes, mouth, and hair, using expressive and gestural lines.
step 06
Create a background wash of diluted blue and gray watercolor, allowing it to blend with the edges of the figure.
step 07
Add splatters and drips of watercolor for a more dynamic and textured effect.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely, and then add any final touches or adjustments as needed.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red light · payne's gray

Mix burnt umber and ultramarine for dark shadows. Use diluted cadmium red light for subtle skin tones. Payne's gray can be used to darken the blues and browns.

techniques

·wet-on-wet blending
·dry brush texture
·watercolor washes
·expressive line work
·splattering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive quality.
→Using too much water and creating muddy colors.
→Not allowing the layers to dry properly before adding more details.
→Being afraid to experiment with color and texture.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·watercolor paper 140lb
·watercolor paints
·round watercolor brushes (sizes 2, 6, 10)
·water container
·palette
·pencil
·eraser

optional

·masking fluid
·spray bottle
·palette knife

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and allow for better blending. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve a variety of effects.

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