plate no. 6536

Jeune Femme Pensive aux Roses Rouges

Jean Metzinger, 1923

oilNeoclassicismportraitportraitwomanrosestabledrinkcurtains

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing for skin tones, and creating a sense of depth through layering and subtle value changes. It also provides practice in rendering different textures, such as fabric, glass, and flowers.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions of the figure and the placement of objects.
step 02
Establish the background colors, including the curtains and the wall behind the figure.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, using a base color for the skin and the dress.
step 04
Begin layering and blending colors to create the skin tones, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 05
Paint the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Add details to the dress, roses, drink, and other objects on the table.
step 07
Refine the details and add final touches to the painting.
step 08
Varnish the painting to protect it and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · titanium white · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

secondary · viridian green · burnt umber · ivory black

Mix skin tones using white, yellow ochre, cadmium red, and a touch of ultramarine blue. Use viridian green and white to create the green drink. Mix different shades of red for the dress and roses.

techniques