plate no. 7096

Girl with a polka-dot blouse

Amedeo Modigliani, 1919

oil, canvasExpressionismportraitfigureportraitblousechairdresswall

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify forms and use color to create a mood. It also provides practice in capturing a likeness with minimal detail and expressive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, chair, and background.
step 02
Block in the main color areas: skin, blouse, dress, background.
step 03
Refine the skin tones, paying attention to subtle shifts in color.
step 04
Add the polka dots and bow to the blouse.
step 05
Develop the background with loose, expressive brushstrokes.
step 06
Define the features of the face, keeping them simple and stylized.
step 07
Add details to the hands and chair.
step 08
Adjust values and colors to create a harmonious composition.

color palette

primary · flesh tones (ochre, white, red) · pink · white · green

secondary · blue · brown · yellow

Mix flesh tones by combining ochre, white, and a touch of red. Achieve the pink by mixing red and white, adjusting the ratio for variations in tone. The background green is a mix of blue, yellow, and white.

techniques