plate no. 5051

Miss Lily Walton

Suzanne Valadon, 1922

oilPost-Impressionismportraitfigurecatchairdresserdollinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing, and capturing the essence of a subject through simplified forms and expressive brushstrokes. Students will also learn to create a sense of depth and atmosphere using color and value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and then the figure.
step 03
Mix and apply the base colors for the skin tones, clothing, and furniture.
step 04
Add layers of color to build depth and dimension, paying attention to the light and shadows.
step 05
Refine the details of the face, cat, and other objects, using smaller brushes.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of form and volume.
step 07
Adjust the colors and values as needed to create a harmonious and balanced composition.
step 08
Add final details and touch-ups to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · red · yellow · white · black

secondary · orange · green · brown

Mix various shades of red and brown for the furniture and chair. Create skin tones by mixing white, yellow, and a touch of red. Use muted greens and browns for the background and shadows.

techniques