plate no. 9317

Isoäiti

Sallinen Tyko, 1917

oilExpressionismportraitfiguresportraitfamilybabyclothingchair

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, capturing mood through color, and using expressive brushstrokes to define form. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figures.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color with thin washes, establishing the overall value structure.
step 03
Begin to build up the forms with thicker paint, using directional brushstrokes to suggest volume.
step 04
Mix and apply the skin tones, paying attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
step 05
Define the details of the faces and clothing, using smaller brushes and more precise strokes.
step 06
Refine the background, using loose brushstrokes to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the figures.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · cadmium red light

Mix various shades of gray by combining ivory black and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna for skin tones, and add small amounts of cadmium red light for warmth. Ultramarine blue can be used to cool down the grays and create shadows.

techniques