plate no. 1711

Head of Julia

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigureheadexpressionismmonochrome

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork, value control using a limited palette, and capturing likeness through gestural marks. It also encourages exploration of abstracting the figure.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic proportions and placement of the head and shoulders.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the painting with a thin wash of dark paint.
step 03
Begin building up layers of light and dark values using expressive brushstrokes.
step 04
Focus on capturing the overall form and gesture rather than precise details.
step 05
Use a dry brush technique to create texture and visual interest.
step 06
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the angles and planes of the face.
step 07
Add highlights to create a sense of depth and volume.
step 08
Adjust the overall values and contrast to achieve a balanced composition.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · payne's gray

Mix various shades of gray by combining black and white in different ratios. Add small amounts of raw umber or payne's gray to create warmer or cooler tones.

techniques