plate no. 6874

Marian Anderson

William H. Johnson, 1945

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)portraitportraitfigurebuildingsflagslandmarkssinger

some experience helpful

This painting is great for practicing simplified shapes and color blocking. Students can learn to capture the essence of a subject with minimal detail and bold brushstrokes.

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 surrounding elements, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the background color with a diluted wash.
step 03
Apply the main colors for the figure, buildings, and flags, using flat, opaque layers.
step 04
Add shadows and highlights to create depth and dimension, using slightly darker and lighter shades of the base colors.
step 05
Define the details of the face, hands, and clothing with small, deliberate brushstrokes.
step 06
Outline key shapes with darker colors to enhance definition and create visual interest.
step 07
Add any remaining details, such as the architectural details of the buildings and the patterns on the flags.
step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to balance the composition and color harmony.

color palette

primary · yellow · blue-gray · white · brown

secondary · red · pink · green · black

Mix yellow with white for highlights on the dress. Use blue and white with a touch of black to create the background color. Mix browns and reds for skin tones.

techniques