plate no. 0490

Girl and Lamp in a Cornish Window

Christopher Wood, 1928

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)portraitportraitlampwindowinteriorfigurelandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms and using visible brushstrokes to create texture. It also provides an opportunity to study color mixing for skin tones and creating a sense of depth with limited color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition lightly on the canvas, focusing on proportions.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: background, skin, hair, clothing, and lamp.
step 03
Begin refining the shapes and adding details to the face, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Add details to the lamp and other objects, using thicker paint and visible brushstrokes.
step 05
Work on the background, blending colors and creating a sense of depth.
step 06
Refine the edges and add final details, such as highlights and shadows.
step 07
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.
step 08
Let the painting dry completely.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green

Mix white with yellow ochre and a touch of red for skin tones. Use ultramarine blue and white for the clothing. Combine yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and white for the lamp.

techniques