plate no. 5417

Lucia Sturdza Bulandra

Corneliu Baba, 1953

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfiguredresslacechairwoman

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will develop skills in capturing likeness with loose brushstrokes and understanding how to suggest form with subtle value shifts in a limited color palette. Students will also learn how to create texture with visible brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the overall composition.
step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of dark red/brown.
step 03
Block in the main areas of dark and light on the figure, using a limited palette of black, white, and brown.
step 04
Develop the form of the face, paying attention to the subtle shifts in value and color.
step 05
Add details to the dress, focusing on the texture of the lace and the folds of the fabric.
step 06
Refine the hands and the object being held, using small, deliberate brushstrokes.
step 07
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Mix blacks and browns to create a range of dark values. Use white to create highlights and subtle shifts in value. Add small amounts of red and yellow to warm up the colors.

techniques

·alla prima
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·limited palette
·value studies

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive quality of the painting.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
→Not capturing the likeness of the subject.