plate no. 8426

Modellpause

Max Pechstein, 1925

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigureflowersstill lifetableindoor

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing, and capturing light and shadow with visible brushstrokes. It also offers practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.

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 composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure and objects.
step 02
Block in the main color areas using thin washes, starting with the background and larger shapes.
step 03
Begin building up layers of color, paying attention to the light and shadow on the figure and objects.
step 04
Refine the details of the face, hands, and flowers, using smaller brushstrokes.
step 05
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 06
Define the edges of the objects and figure with darker colors.
step 07
Add final details and adjustments to the composition.
step 08
Let dry and add a varnish coat.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · titanium white

secondary · purple · green · burnt umber

Mix yellow ochre and white for the skin tones, varying the ratio for highlights and shadows. Combine ultramarine blue and cadmium red for the purples in the flowers. Mix ultramarine blue and yellow ochre for greens.

techniques