plate no. 1114

Jewish Girl in Belgrade

Nadežda Petrović, 1908

oilPost-Impressionismcityscapestreetbuildingsfigurecityscapehousespath

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and using a limited palette to create a cohesive and harmonious composition. It also provides practice in capturing light and shadow on architectural forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the perspective of the street and the placement of the buildings and figure.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by applying a thin wash of warm underpainting.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the buildings, using variations of ochre, brown, and white.
step 04
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and roof tiles, using small, deliberate brushstrokes.
step 05
Paint the figure, paying attention to the folds of the clothing and the play of light and shadow.
step 06
Develop the street surface with varied tones of gray, brown, and ochre, suggesting texture and depth.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of volume and dimension.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the colors to achieve a harmonious and atmospheric effect.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten the colors and create highlights. Add small amounts of blue to create cooler shadows.

techniques