plate no. 9442

Niña Durmiendo

Maria Blanchard, 1925

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfiguretablecandlebookchairinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice capturing the human form in a relaxed pose and understanding how light interacts with different surfaces. It also provides an opportunity to explore expressive brushwork and color mixing to create a mood.

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 the proportions of the figure and the placement of objects.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color using thin washes, paying attention to the overall value structure.
step 03
Start building up layers of paint, focusing on the areas of light and shadow on the figure and the table.
step 04
Use thicker paint and more visible brushstrokes to add texture and detail to the clothing, hair, and tabletop.
step 05
Mix subtle variations of color to create depth and dimension in the skin tones and the background.
step 06
Refine the details of the face, candle, and book, paying attention to the edges and the subtle shifts in color.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of light and form.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, sienna, and a touch of red. Use umber and blue for shadows. Vary the proportions to create warm and cool tones.

techniques

·blocking in
·layering
·dry brush
·color mixing
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early
→Ignoring the underlying value structure
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing
→Not paying attention to the proportions of the figure

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, titanium white, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags