plate no. 4417
Girl with ball
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice simplified form representation and layering techniques to build up color and texture. It also encourages observation of light and shadow in a limited palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure, hat, balloon, and background elements on the cardboard.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: dark background, skin tones, hat, dress, and balloon.
- step 03
Begin layering in darker values to create shadows and define the forms.
- step 04
Add lighter values to create highlights and give the painting depth.
- step 05
Refine the details of the face, dress, and hat, paying attention to the texture and patterns.
- step 06
Paint the foliage in the background, using short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 07
Add the balloon string and any other small details.
- step 08
Review and adjust the values and colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.
color palette
primary · Prussian blue · Yellow ochre · Titanium white · Burnt umber
secondary · Cadmium red light · Sap green
Mix white with yellow ochre and a touch of red for skin tones. Create darker blues by mixing Prussian blue with burnt umber. Use white to lighten the blues and create highlights.
techniques
- ·Blocking in
- ·Layering
- ·Dry brushing
- ·Scumbling
- ·Simplified form representation
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Using too many colors
- →Not establishing a strong value structure
- →Ignoring the texture of the cardboard
materials
surface · Cardboard
required
- ·Oil paints
- ·Cardboard
- ·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·Palette
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Palette knife
optional
- ·Retouch varnish
- ·Easel
The cardboard surface will absorb the oil paint, so it may be necessary to apply a thin layer of gesso or primer first. Consider the texture of the cardboard as part of the final artwork.
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