plate no. 0050

Nelly Bodenheim

Isaac Israels, 1920

oilImpressionismportraitportraitfigurewomanhairclothingface

some experience helpful

This painting is a great exercise in capturing a likeness with loose brushstrokes and a limited palette. Students will learn to simplify forms and focus on essential values and color relationships.

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 head, shoulders, and hands.
step 02
Block in the background with a dark, neutral tone.
step 03
Establish the main areas of light and shadow on the face and clothing using thin washes of color.
step 04
Begin building up the form with thicker, more expressive brushstrokes, focusing on the direction of the light.
step 05
Mix subtle variations of skin tone and apply them to the face, paying attention to the planes of the face.
step 06
Add details to the hair and clothing, using short, broken strokes to create texture.
step 07
Refine the edges and details of the face, especially the eyes and mouth.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of depth.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium red light · ivory black

Mix skin tones by combining white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use burnt umber and black to create dark shadows and neutral tones for the background.

techniques