plate no. 7719

Le couple au village

oilExpressionismportraitfigureshousesvillageskyportraits

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive image. Students will also practice creating texture with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and buildings.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color with thin washes, starting with the background and working forward.
step 03
Add darker values to define the shadows and create depth.
step 04
Begin building up the texture with visible brushstrokes, following the forms of the objects.
step 05
Mix and apply the skin tones, paying attention to the subtle variations in color.
step 06
Add details to the faces, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Refine the edges and details of the buildings and other elements.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red · titanium white · black

Mix various shades of brown and ochre by combining burnt sienna, yellow ochre, and ultramarine blue. Use white to lighten colors and black to darken them. Achieve skin tones by mixing red, yellow, and white.

techniques