plate no. 0558

Nude Woman with Drapery

Suzanne Valadon, 1919

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismnude painting (nu)figurenudedraperyinteriorfabricbackground

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice figure drawing, color mixing for skin tones, and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. Students can also learn about simplifying complex forms and creating a sense of depth through color and value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background elements.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Begin refining the skin tones, mixing a range of warm and cool colors.
step 04
Add details to the drapery, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
step 05
Develop the background, creating a sense of depth with subtle color variations.
step 06
Refine the edges and contours of the figure, using a variety of brushstrokes.
step 07
Add final details, such as the hair and facial features.
step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · viridian

Mix skin tones by blending yellow ochre, cadmium red, and titanium white. Use burnt umber and ultramarine blue to create shadows and darker tones. Add viridian for subtle green undertones in the skin.

techniques