plate no. 3372
Kalina Snow
Victor Zaretsky, 1987
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors, creating texture with brushstrokes, and simplifying complex patterns into manageable shapes. It also encourages experimentation with color combinations and expressive mark-making.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 7 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure, shawl, and background.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the overall composition.
- step 03
Add the floral patterns on the shawl, simplifying the shapes and colors.
- step 04
Develop the background with layers of blue, white, and touches of red and yellow.
- step 05
Define the facial features and add details to the hands and flowers.
- step 06
Refine the brushwork and add texture to the different areas of the painting.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to create depth and interest.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · yellow ochre
secondary · sap green · burnt sienna · pink · cerulean blue
Mix various shades of blue by combining ultramarine blue and titanium white. Achieve the pink hues by mixing cadmium red and titanium white. Create the red-orange of the flowers by mixing cadmium red and yellow ochre.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·impasto
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impressionistic effect.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing them.
- →Not simplifying the patterns and shapes enough.
- →Ignoring the importance of layering and building up the colors gradually.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·apron
Using a textured canvas can enhance the brushwork and create a more interesting surface.
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