plate no. 9169

Hawaiian Boy and Girl

Arman Manookian, 1928

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)genre paintingfigureslandscapefoliagetreesskytropical

some experience helpful

This painting provides a good opportunity to practice color mixing to achieve the unique skin tones and foliage colors, while also focusing on simplifying complex shapes into more basic forms. Students will also learn about layering colors to create depth and interest.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figures, foliage, and background, focusing on proportions and composition.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, ground, and figures using diluted washes.
step 03
Begin layering colors to build up the skin tones, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 04
Add details to the foliage, using a variety of greens, blues, and yellows to create depth and texture.
step 05
Define the edges of the figures and foliage with darker colors to create contrast.
step 06
Add the details of the clothing and facial features.
step 07
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting to create a cohesive and harmonious composition.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · sap green · violet

Mix burnt umber and yellow ochre with white to create the skin tones. Use ultramarine blue and yellow ochre to create a variety of greens for the foliage. Add cadmium red to create the warm tones in the sky and foliage.

techniques