plate no. 8926
Le travesti
Bernard Buffet, 1953
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying forms, using expressive brushstrokes, and creating a stylized portrait. It also encourages experimentation with color and value to convey mood.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, hat, and background.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: green for the background, orange for the hair, and the primary colors for the face and hat.
- step 03
Define the facial features with darker lines and shadows, paying attention to the stylized proportions.
- step 04
Add details like the necklace, flowers, and any small accents.
- step 05
Refine the brushstrokes and edges to match the expressive style of the original.
- step 06
Add highlights to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Check for accuracy in proportions and color balance.
- step 08
Add the signature in the upper left corner.
color palette
primary · viridian green · cadmium orange · titanium white · burgundy
secondary · black · ultramarine blue
Mix different shades of green by combining viridian green with white and a touch of black. Create the skin tones by mixing white with small amounts of orange and blue. The burgundy color is achieved by mixing red and black.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·scumbling
- ·limited palette
- ·expressive linework
- ·color blocking
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality.
- →Getting the proportions wrong, especially in the face.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Not capturing the mood of the portrait.
- →Ignoring the background
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils will allow for more blending time.
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