plate no. 7284
Little Breton Girl Seated (Portrait of Marie Francisaille)
Paul Serusier, 1895
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand simplified forms and color relationships, as well as how to create a sense of depth and volume with limited values.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
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
