plate no. 0653
Les deux Espagnoles
Marie Laurencin, 1915
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice layering colors to create depth and using simplified shapes to represent complex forms. It also encourages experimentation with a limited color palette to achieve a cohesive and harmonious composition.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and placement of the figures, fan, and background elements.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color using thin washes.
- step 03
Develop the skin tones with subtle variations of pink, white, and gray.
- step 04
Add details to the clothing, focusing on the patterns and textures.
- step 05
Paint the fan using various shades of pink and purple.
- step 06
Refine the background and add details to the curtains.
- step 07
Add final touches and highlights to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Varnish the painting to protect it and enhance the colors.
color palette
primary · titanium white · rose madder · ultramarine blue
secondary · ivory black · yellow ochre
Mix white with small amounts of rose madder and blue to create the pale skin tones. Use black and blue to create the grays for the clothing and background. Mix rose madder with white for the pinks in the fan and curtains.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
- ·scumbling
- ·blending
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplicity of the original.
- →Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
- →Failing to capture the subtle color variations in the skin tones.
- →Not paying attention to the overall composition and balance.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·rose madder oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·varnish
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Prepare the canvas with gesso before painting.
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