plate no. 7284
Little Breton Girl Seated (Portrait of Marie Francisaille)
Paul Serusier, 1895
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure and background, focusing on proportions.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes of paint.
- step 03
Develop the background with subtle variations in green and brown.
- step 04
Add darker tones to define the figure's clothing and features.
- step 05
Build up the highlights on the face, hands, and apron.
- step 06
Refine the details of the face and clothing, paying attention to the brushstrokes.
- step 07
Add the black horizontal line.
- step 08
Add final touches and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · olive green · burnt umber · yellow ochre
secondary · cadmium red · ivory black
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and burnt umber. The skin tones are achieved by mixing cadmium red, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt umber.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
- ·simplified forms
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplified style.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Not paying attention to the proportions of the figure.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in the background.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints (olive green, burnt umber, yellow ochre, cadmium red, ivory black)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (flat and round)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
A slightly textured canvas can enhance the brushwork effect.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
