plate no. 4729

John

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)portraitportraitfiguremanchairindoorclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying forms and using expressive brushstrokes to create texture and volume. It also encourages experimentation with color mixing to achieve a slightly muted palette.

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 and chair.
step 02
Block in the background with broad strokes of white and yellow.
step 03
Establish the main color areas for the figure: skin tones, hair, clothes, and pants.
step 04
Develop the details of the face, focusing on simple shapes for the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Add the blue vest and striped shirt, using visible brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Paint the pants with a mix of red and purple, varying the color slightly to suggest form.
step 07
Refine the details of the chair and walking stick.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth.

color palette

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

secondary · burnt umber · viridian green

Mix white with small amounts of yellow ochre and burnt umber for skin tones. Create the pants color by mixing red and blue with a touch of white. Use white to lighten and mute other colors.

techniques