plate no. 6548

Old Woman of Brittany

oilPost-Impressionismportraitportraitfigureoceanskyclothingold woman

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly capturing the likeness and character of an elderly subject, and in rendering a moody seascape with expressive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, the ocean, and the figure's clothing.
step 03
Establish the basic values in the face, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Begin to refine the details of the face, adding wrinkles and other features.
step 05
Develop the texture of the ocean and sky with expressive brushstrokes.
step 06
Add highlights to the water to create a sense of movement.
step 07
Refine the details of the clothing, adding folds and shadows.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna · ivory black

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining ultramarine blue, burnt umber, and white. Use yellow ochre and raw sienna to create warmer tones for the face and highlights.

techniques