plate no. 2309

Mathilde Schoenberg II

Richard Gerstl, 1907

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)portraitfigureportraitdressinteriorfurnitureflowers

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing likeness with simplified forms and using expressive brushstrokes to convey texture and mood. It also provides practice in color mixing to achieve subtle variations in skin tones and fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, starting with the background.
step 03
Develop the skin tones, focusing on subtle color variations in light and shadow.
step 04
Paint the dress, using thicker paint and visible brushstrokes to create texture.
step 05
Add the details of the hair, facial features, and furniture.
step 06
Refine the edges and shapes, paying attention to the overall composition.
step 07
Add the final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

secondary · burnt sienna · raw umber · cadmium yellow

Mix white with yellow ochre and a touch of burnt sienna for skin tones. Use ultramarine blue and raw umber for the darker areas of the background and furniture. Add small amounts of cadmium yellow to the white for the dress.

techniques