plate no. 6525

Madenci

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfacefigureheadexpression

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and use a limited palette to create depth and mood. It also provides practice in capturing expressive qualities through loose brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head, facial features, and hands using a pencil.
step 02
Block in the background with a mid-tone gray-brown wash.
step 03
Establish the darkest areas of the face and hair using a darker shade of brown.
step 04
Apply lighter tones to the forehead, cheeks, and chin, blending softly.
step 05
Define the eyes, nose, and mouth with darker lines and shadows.
step 06
Add highlights to the face and hair using white or a very light beige.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a sense of depth and volume.
step 08
Add final touches and details to the background.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining raw umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use burnt sienna and yellow ochre to add warmth to certain areas of the face.

techniques