plate no. 8525

Old Woman from the Poorhouse in the Garden

Paula Modersohn-Becker, 1906

oil, canvas, temperaExpressionismportraitfigureportraitflowersgardenold womanplants

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms and using expressive brushstrokes to convey texture and emotion. It also encourages experimentation with color mixing to achieve a unique palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the figure, the tree-like form, and the flower bed.
step 02
Block in the background with thin washes of yellow and green, allowing some canvas to show through.
step 03
Establish the main colors of the figure's clothing and skin, using broad strokes.
step 04
Define the shapes of the flowers and leaves, paying attention to their simplified forms.
step 05
Add details to the face, focusing on capturing the expression.
step 06
Refine the textures of the clothing and background with visible brushstrokes.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers to adjust colors and values.

color palette

primary · red-orange · yellow · green · brown

secondary · pink · blue · purple

Mix various shades of green by combining yellow and blue with small amounts of brown or black. Achieve the red-orange by mixing red and yellow with a touch of brown. Create the skin tones by mixing brown, red, and yellow with white.

techniques

·blocking in
·expressive brushstrokes
·color mixing
·simplification of forms
·glazing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing them.
→Failing to simplify the forms and getting bogged down in unnecessary details.
→Not paying attention to the overall color harmony of the painting.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Oil paints: red, yellow, blue, brown, white, black
·Assorted brushes (flat and round)
·Palette
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife

optional

·Medium gloss
·Easel
·Apron

Use a limited palette to encourage color mixing and create a harmonious painting. Consider using a textured canvas to enhance the expressive brushstrokes.

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