plate no. 7039

Girl in a Doorway

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfiguredoorwayclockinteriorchild

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice simplified form rendering and color mixing to create mood. Students can learn to create a sense of depth using color temperature and value.

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, focusing on the placement of the figures and the doorway.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the background wall, the doorway, and the figures.
step 03
Refine the shapes of the figures, paying attention to the proportions and details.
step 04
Add the clock detail in the background.
step 05
Develop the shadows and highlights to create depth and form.
step 06
Add details such as the facial features and clothing.
step 07
Refine the edges and blend colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.
step 08
Add final touches and details.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · titanium white · cadmium red

Mix yellow ochre and white for the walls. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber for the doorway and figures, adjusting the ratio for different shades. Add small amounts of cadmium red for warmth in the skin tones.

techniques