plate no. 8089
Jeune Femme à la Mandoline
Jean Metzinger, 1923
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve warm skin tones and practice rendering form through simplified shapes and planes. It also provides practice in depicting fabric folds and still life elements.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure and objects.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, establishing the overall color scheme.
- step 03
Develop the skin tones using a limited palette of warm colors, paying attention to light and shadow.
- step 04
Paint the dress, simplifying the folds and using contrasting values to create depth.
- step 05
Render the mandolin, focusing on its shape and details.
- step 06
Add the flowers and other still life elements, using bold colors and simple shapes.
- step 07
Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of realism.
- step 08
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed to achieve a cohesive look.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · titanium white · burnt umber
secondary · viridian green · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow
Mix skin tones by blending yellow ochre, cadmium red, and titanium white. Use burnt umber to create shadows and add depth.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·color mixing
- ·simplified form rendering
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →overcomplicating the shapes
- →muddying the colors
- →ignoring the light source
- →getting lost in details too early
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (#2, #4, #6)
- ·flat brushes (#6, #8)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil (if using oils)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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