plate no. 4259
Madeline with the Offering
Paul Serusier, 1892
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand simplified forms, non-naturalistic color choices, and how to create a sense of depth using color and overlapping shapes. It also provides practice in painting figures in a stylized manner.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: figures, trees, and the horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the background, using simplified shapes.
- step 03
Paint the figures with their basic colors, focusing on the overall shapes and proportions.
- step 04
Add details to the figures, such as the facial features and folds in the clothing.
- step 05
Refine the colors and values in the background, adding more detail to the trees and foliage.
- step 06
Add the pot and other small details.
- step 07
Adjust the overall composition and colors as needed.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · Prussian blue · cadmium red · viridian green
secondary · violet · burnt sienna · titanium white
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and Prussian blue. Create various shades of violet by mixing red and blue. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·flat color application
- ·simplified forms
- ·color blocking
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
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 figures.
- →Failing to capture the overall mood and atmosphere of the painting.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes sizes 2, 4, 6
- ·flat brush size 8
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·retarder medium
Use a limited palette to simplify color mixing. Consider using a toned canvas to create a more unified color scheme.
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