plate no. 7440

Helen

oilExpressionismportraitfigurechairportraitwallroomseated

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in loose brushwork, capturing form with minimal detail, and mixing subtle skin tones. It also encourages expressive mark-making and simplification of complex subjects.

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 of the figure, chair, and background.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the wall, floor, and chair.
step 03
Establish the basic skin tones of the figure, focusing on light and shadow.
step 04
Refine the shapes of the figure and chair with loose, expressive brushstrokes.
step 05
Add details to the face and hands, keeping the overall style loose.
step 06
Adjust the values and colors to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to enhance the overall effect.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Mix skin tones by combining white, umber, and a touch of yellow ochre or burnt sienna. Achieve the blue-gray of the chair by mixing ultramarine blue with white and a touch of umber.

techniques