plate no. 5313
La gitana
Camille Bombois, 1935
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice layering flat colors, creating simple forms, and paying attention to details in clothing and accessories. It's a good exercise in simplifying complex subjects.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure, headscarf, and dress.
- step 02
Block in the background with a solid layer of black paint.
- step 03
Apply a base layer of pink to the dress and skin tones to the face, hands, and neck.
- step 04
Paint the red headscarf and blue scarf, paying attention to their shapes and folds.
- step 05
Add details to the dress, such as the vertical stripes and the layered sleeves.
- step 06
Paint the hair and necklace, adding highlights and shadows.
- step 07
Refine the facial features, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 08
Add final details and touch-ups to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · red · pink · black · skin tone
secondary · blue · teal
Mix various shades of pink by combining red and white. Create skin tones by blending white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Achieve the teal color for the necklace by mixing blue and green.
techniques
- ·flat color application
- ·layering
- ·simple blending
- ·detail work
common pitfalls
- →over-blending
- →getting proportions wrong
- →not simplifying shapes enough
- →using too many colors
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)
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a smooth canvas for best results. Acrylic paints are recommended for beginners due to their fast drying time.
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