plate no. 7176

O homem amarelo

Anita Malfatti, 1917

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfiguremanclothingfacetie

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice expressive brushstrokes and learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and colors. It also provides an opportunity to explore color temperature and how it can be used to create depth and interest.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, starting with the background and then the larger areas of the figure.
step 03
Define the facial features using bold, expressive brushstrokes.
step 04
Add details to the clothing, paying attention to the folds and shadows.
step 05
Refine the colors and values, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 06
Use short, broken brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest.
step 07
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ivory black · raw sienna

Mix yellow ochre with white to create the lighter skin tones. Use burnt umber and black for the darker areas of the clothing and shadows. Mix red and yellow for the background.

techniques