plate no. 7493
Grafton Gallery, from Les Affiche Illustrees
Eugène Grasset, 1897
suitable for beginners
Recreating this painting will help students practice color blocking and learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes. It also provides practice in creating a stylized, decorative composition.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
1
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a simplified line drawing of the main shapes and forms.
- step 02
Outline the main areas with a dark color, mimicking the print style.
- step 03
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background.
- step 04
Add the skin tones and hair color.
- step 05
Paint the dress and the flowing fabric.
- step 06
Add details to the flowers and foliage.
- step 07
Refine the outlines and add any final details.
- step 08
Add the signature at the bottom right.
color palette
primary · red-orange · light blue · cream · black
secondary · purple · green · grey
Mix light blue by combining a primary blue with white. Achieve the red-orange hair color by mixing red and orange with a touch of brown. Use black sparingly to define outlines and shadows.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·outlining
- ·flat color application
- ·stylization
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the color palette.
- →Losing the simplified shapes.
- →Making the outlines too thick or uneven.
- →Not capturing the stylized nature of the piece.
materials
surface · Stretched canvas or heavy paper
required
- ·Acrylic paints
- ·Canvas or thick paper
- ·Round brushes (various sizes)
- ·Palette
- ·Water
- ·Pencil
- ·Eraser
optional
- ·Palette knife
- ·Ruler
- ·Tracing paper
Acrylic paints are recommended for their quick drying time and ease of use. Choose a canvas or paper that is suitable for acrylics.
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