plate no. 0832

Maundy Thursday

Werner Berg, 1959

oilExpressionismportraitfiguresportraitheadscarfexpressionism

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify forms and use color to create mood and expression. It also provides practice in layering and blending colors to achieve a unique skin tone.

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 and proportions of the figures on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the background with dark blues and greens, establishing the overall tone.
step 03
Apply a base layer of green to the faces, mixing different shades for variation.
step 04
Begin layering the headscarf with white and blue, paying attention to the folds and shadows.
step 05
Add details to the faces, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using darker greens and browns.
step 06
Refine the shapes and edges of the figures, blending colors as needed.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create depth.
step 08
Let dry and add a varnish layer.

color palette

primary · viridian green · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · cadmium red

The skin tone is achieved by mixing viridian green with yellow ochre and small amounts of burnt umber. The headscarf is created by mixing titanium white with ultramarine blue and small amounts of viridian green.

techniques