plate no. 2027

Jeanne Hebuterne in a Hat

Amedeo Modigliani, 1919

oil, canvasExpressionismportraitportraitfigurewomanhatdresschair

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying forms and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive portrait. It also provides practice in capturing subtle variations in skin tone and creating a sense of depth through layering.

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 and proportions of the figure, hat, and background.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: skin tones, hair, dress, hat, and background.
step 03
Refine the shapes and contours of the figure, paying attention to the elongated neck and facial features.
step 04
Add subtle variations in skin tone using thin layers of paint.
step 05
Define the details of the hair and hat, using darker values to create depth.
step 06
Add highlights to the face, neck, and hands to create a sense of form.
step 07
Refine the background and add any final details.
step 08
Allow to dry and add a varnish if desired.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt sienna · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Mix skin tones by combining white, burnt sienna, and a touch of yellow ochre or cadmium red. Use raw umber and black to create the dark tones of the dress and hat. Vary the background by mixing white with small amounts of raw umber and burnt sienna.

techniques

·color mixing
·layering
·blending
·simplifying forms
·contouring

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the simplified, expressive style.
→Using too many colors and creating a muddy or chaotic palette.
→Failing to capture the unique proportions and features of the figure.
→Not paying attention to the subtle variations in skin tone.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Oil paints (ivory black, burnt sienna, raw umber, titanium white, cadmium red light, yellow ochre)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife