plate no. 8913

Green Eyed Lady

Maria Bozoky, 1991

watercolorExpressionismportraitportraitfiguredresschairfoliageindoor

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in loose watercolor washes and expressive line work to define form. It also encourages experimentation with color layering and creating depth through suggestion rather than precise detail.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, chair, and background elements.
step 02
Apply a thin wash of diluted colors to establish the overall color scheme and light areas.
step 03
Layer in darker washes to define shadows and create depth, focusing on the face and dress.
step 04
Use a fine brush to add expressive line work, defining details and adding texture to the dress and hair.
step 05
Introduce accent colors to create visual interest and highlight specific areas.
step 06
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the eyes and mouth.
step 07
Add final details and adjust values as needed to create a cohesive composition.
step 08
Allow to dry completely.

color palette

primary · white · sap green · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · purple · yellow ochre · pink

Achieve the skin tones by mixing white, burnt sienna, and a touch of pink. Create the greens by blending sap green with ultramarine blue or yellow ochre. Use diluted washes to build up color gradually.

techniques

·wet-on-wet blending
·dry brush texture
·layering washes
·expressive line work
·color mixing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details
→Using too much water and losing control of the washes
→Creating muddy colors by over-mixing
→Not allowing layers to dry completely before adding more

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·Watercolor paints
·Watercolor brushes (round and flat)
·Watercolor paper (140lb or heavier)
·Palette
·Water container
·Pencil
·Eraser
·Paper towels

optional

·Masking fluid
·Palette knife
·Spray bottle

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and ensure vibrant colors. Experiment with different brush sizes and shapes to achieve various effects.

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