plate no. 2055
Nude with Loaves
Jean Helion, 1952
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, depicting drapery, and creating a cohesive color scheme with muted tones. It also challenges students to balance realism with expressionistic elements.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, table, and doorway.
- step 02
Establish the background colors, starting with the walls and doorway.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, paying attention to proportions and anatomical landmarks.
- step 04
Begin layering the skin tones, using subtle variations of pink, brown, and yellow.
- step 05
Paint the table and tablecloth, focusing on the folds and shadows.
- step 06
Add the details of the bread loaves, capturing their texture and color variations.
- step 07
Paint the clothing and other objects in the scene, paying attention to their textures and colors.
- step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red light
secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna
Mix skin tones by blending red, yellow, and brown with white. Achieve muted tones by mixing complementary colors together.
techniques
- ·figure drawing
- ·drapery painting
- ·color mixing
- ·layering
- ·blending
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions of the figure
- →Overly bright or saturated colors
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in skin tone
- →Flat or lifeless drapery
- →Lack of depth and atmosphere
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a limited palette to create a harmonious color scheme. Experiment with different brushstrokes to create texture and interest.
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