plate no. 3393

MLLE SUZY SOLIDOR

Francis Bacon, 1957

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigurefacedark background

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and capturing likeness with simplified forms. It also encourages exploration of limited color palettes and dramatic lighting.

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 head and shoulders with light pencil lines.
step 02
Block in the dark background with a thin layer of dark blue or black paint.
step 03
Establish the overall skin tone with a mix of white, grey, and a touch of yellow ochre.
step 04
Add highlights and shadows to define the form of the face, focusing on the planes of the face.
step 05
Introduce pink and red tones around the eyes and cheeks for a sense of warmth and life.
step 06
Use bold, visible brushstrokes to create texture and movement in the hair and clothing.
step 07
Refine the details of the eyes, nose, and mouth, keeping the overall expression loose and gestural.
step 08
Adjust the values and colors as needed to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · sap green

Mix white with small amounts of blue and umber to create the cool skin tones. Use red and white for the pink areas. Darken the blue with umber for the background.

techniques