plate no. 4005

Maika

Christian Schad, 1929

oilMagic Realismportraitportraitfigurebuildingsskyflowerdress

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and subtle skin tone variations, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective in the background.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, buildings, and flower.
step 02
Block in the background sky with a light blue-gray wash.
step 03
Establish the main values of the buildings and rooftops.
step 04
Begin layering skin tones, focusing on subtle transitions and highlights.
step 05
Paint the black dress, paying attention to the folds and shadows.
step 06
Add the flower, carefully observing its form and color variations.
step 07
Refine the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · raw umber · cadmium red light

secondary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson

Mix skin tones by blending white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. Achieve the dress's dark color by mixing black with a hint of red or umber. Create the sky with white, cerulean blue, and a touch of red to create a muted purple.

techniques