plate no. 2380

Mavis Wheeler

Augustus John, 1945

oilPost-Impressionismportraitportraitfigurewomanclothinghairjewelry

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in capturing a likeness with loose brushstrokes and mixing skin tones with a limited palette. Students will also learn to simplify complex patterns and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, shoulders, and torso.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: skin, hair, clothing, and background.
step 03
Begin refining the skin tones, using a mix of warm and cool colors to create depth and form.
step 04
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Paint the hair, using loose, expressive brushstrokes to capture the texture and movement.
step 06
Work on the clothing, simplifying the patterns and focusing on the overall shapes and colors.
step 07
Refine the background, using a limited palette to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium orange · viridian green · ivory black

Mix skin tones with white, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and a touch of blue. Use orange and white for the jacket. Create greens by mixing blue and yellow.

techniques