plate no. 5978

Head of a Girl

Amedeo Modigliani, 1918

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigurewomanhairdressbackground

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying forms, mixing skin tones, and understanding the use of subtle color variations to create depth. It also encourages exploration of expressive line work and stylized representation.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, neck, and shoulders.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin wash of color.
step 03
Establish the main skin tone using a base color.
step 04
Add shadows and highlights to the face and neck, blending carefully.
step 05
Paint the hair, paying attention to the direction of the brushstrokes.
step 06
Define the features (eyes, nose, mouth) with simple lines and shapes.
step 07
Paint the dress and collar, adding details as needed.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting colors and values as necessary.

color palette

primary · raw sienna · titanium white · burnt umber

secondary · Prussian blue · cadmium red light · ivory black

Mix skin tones by combining raw sienna, titanium white, and a touch of cadmium red light. Use Prussian blue and burnt umber to create a muted green for the background. Add ivory black to darken colors and create shadows.

techniques