plate no. 2714

Old Lady with Blue Shawl (The Artist's Grandmother)

oilImpressionismportraitportraitfigureshawlchairgrandmotherindoor

some experience helpful

This painting offers a great opportunity to practice capturing a likeness with loose brushstrokes and a limited color palette. Students can learn to create depth and form using value and color temperature variations within a predominantly dark composition.

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.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the painting with a thin wash of dark brown or black.
step 03
Block in the main color areas: the blue shawl, the skin tones, and the background.
step 04
Develop the form of the face and hands, paying attention to subtle value changes.
step 05
Add details to the shawl and clothing, using thicker paint and visible brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the background and surrounding objects, keeping the focus on the figure.
step 07
Add highlights to create contrast and bring the painting to life.
step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition, ensuring a harmonious balance.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna

Mix ultramarine blue with burnt umber to create a range of cool darks for shadows and the background. Use white to lighten the blue for the shawl highlights and mix with yellow ochre and burnt umber for skin tones.

techniques