plate no. 7178

Infantin (Spanierin)

Alexej von Jawlensky, 1913

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigurewomanheadwearexpressionism

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using color to define planes and create expressive effects. It also encourages experimentation with visible brushstrokes.

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 head, facial features, and headwear.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of green, allowing some variation in tone.
step 03
Establish the main areas of skin tone using a base color of yellow ochre mixed with white and a touch of burnt sienna.
step 04
Add shadows and highlights to the face using darker and lighter shades of the skin tone mixture.
step 05
Paint the hair and headwear using bold strokes of blue, black, red, and pink, varying the pressure to create texture.
step 06
Define the facial features with dark outlines and strong colors, paying attention to the expressive quality of the eyes and mouth.
step 07
Add small details and accents to enhance the overall effect.
step 08
Review and adjust colors and values as needed to achieve a cohesive and expressive result.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · emerald green · black · rose madder

Mix skin tones by blending yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and white. Achieve the blues by mixing ultramarine with white or a touch of black. Create the greens by mixing ultramarine and yellow ochre.

techniques

·blocking in
·color mixing
·visible brushstrokes
·simplification of form
·expressive mark-making

common pitfalls

→over-blending colors
→losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes
→getting bogged down in details
→not simplifying the forms enough

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·#6 flat brush
·#2 round brush
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil (if using oils)

optional

·easel
·painting medium
·varnish

Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the visibility of the brushstrokes. Acrylics are faster drying and easier to clean, while oils offer richer colors and blending capabilities.

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