plate no. 7897

Old Woman

Helene Schjerfbeck, 1907

oilExpressionismportraitportraitwomanheadscarffigurelandscapetrees

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones, as well as simplifying backgrounds and creating atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color: skin tones, headscarf, clothing, and background.
step 04
Refine the skin tones by layering and blending colors, paying attention to subtle variations.
step 05
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Develop the background by adding layers of color and texture.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · yellow ochre · ivory black

secondary · sap green · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow light

Mix skin tones using titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt sienna. Create muted greens for the background by mixing sap green with raw umber and titanium white.

techniques