plate no. 5384
Ile-de-France
Marie Laurencin, 1940
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplified figure drawing and color mixing to achieve a harmonious, muted palette. It also encourages exploration of expressive brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and placement of the figures and background elements.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas for each figure and the background, using diluted paint.
- step 03
Refine the shapes and proportions of the figures, paying attention to the simplified forms.
- step 04
Add details to the faces, hair, and clothing, using small brushstrokes.
- step 05
Develop the background foliage and architectural elements with loose, expressive brushwork.
- step 06
Adjust the colors and values to create a sense of depth and harmony.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the forms.
- step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · pale blue · yellow ochre · rose pink
secondary · gray-green · ivory · dark blue
Achieve the muted tones by mixing primary colors with white and small amounts of complementary colors. For example, mix blue with a touch of orange to create a muted blue-gray.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·simplified forms
- ·expressive brushstrokes
- ·color mixing
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplified, expressive style.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Neglecting the overall composition and color harmony.
- →Getting bogged down in realistic rendering of the figures.
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·Flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water
- ·Linseed oil (if using oils)
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Easel
- ·Apron
Use a canvas with a smooth surface for easier blending. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly due to their fast drying time.
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