plate no. 2274
Julie et l'univers
suitable for beginners
Recreating this painting will help students practice color mixing to achieve subtle tonal variations and learn how to simplify forms for a stylized portrait. It also provides an opportunity to practice creating a sense of depth with minimal detail.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and the horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, ground, coat, and hat.
- step 03
Mix the subtle variations of the sky and ground colors, applying them with soft, blended brushstrokes.
- step 04
Develop the form of the coat with slightly darker and lighter shades of yellow, paying attention to the subtle texture.
- step 05
Add the details of the face, collar, and button, keeping the forms simple and stylized.
- step 06
Refine the edges of the figure and the horizon line to create a sense of depth.
- step 07
Add subtle shadows to ground the figure.
- step 08
Add the small moon in the sky.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · titanium white · ivory black
secondary · burnt umber · raw sienna
Mix the sky and ground colors by adding small amounts of burnt umber and ivory black to titanium white. Achieve the coat color by mixing yellow ochre with small amounts of burnt umber and white for highlights and shadows.
techniques
- ·color mixing
- ·blending
- ·simplification
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details of the face.
- →Creating harsh lines instead of soft transitions.
- →Using too much paint and losing the subtle tonal variations.
- →Not simplifying the forms enough and making the painting look too realistic.
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Yellow ochre
- ·Titanium white
- ·Ivory black
- ·Burnt umber
- ·Raw sienna
- ·Assorted brushes (small round and flat)
optional
- ·Palette knife
- ·Medium (for oil paints)
- ·Easel
Use a smooth canvas for easier blending. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils will allow for more blending time.
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