plate no. 1614

Marian Anderson

Beauford Delaney, 1965

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigureyellowdressshawlexpressionism

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice layering colors and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. It also encourages exploration of color relationships and expressive portraiture.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure and background, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Apply a base layer of yellow to the entire canvas.
step 03
Begin layering different shades of yellow and hints of orange and red in the background to create texture.
step 04
Mix skin tones using yellow, brown, and a touch of red, and apply to the face and hands.
step 05
Paint the dress with a flat, lighter yellow.
step 06
Create the shawl by layering yellow and blue, using short, broken brushstrokes to create a textured effect.
step 07
Add details to the face, such as eyes, nose, and mouth, using darker shades of brown and red.
step 08
Refine the details and add highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light

Mix various shades of yellow by adding white, orange, or a touch of brown. Create skin tones by blending yellow, brown, and a small amount of red. Use blue to create cooler tones in the shawl.

techniques