plate no. 0449

Old Woman with Masks (Theatre of Masks)

oil, canvasExpressionismportraitportraitmasksfiguresfacesold womantheatre

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and layering colors to create texture and depth. It also encourages experimentation with unconventional color combinations and distorted forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the central figure and the surrounding masks.
step 02
Block in the main colors of the background, using loose, expressive brushstrokes.
step 03
Establish the basic skin tones of the central figure, paying attention to the subtle variations in color.
step 04
Begin adding details to the masks, using a variety of colors and brushstrokes to create different textures and expressions.
step 05
Layer colors and textures to build depth and dimension in the painting.
step 06
Refine the details of the central figure's face, adding highlights and shadows to create form.
step 07
Add final touches and details to the painting, such as the jewelry and the signature.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely and then apply a varnish to protect the surface.

color palette

primary · titanium white · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

secondary · viridian green · burnt umber · alizarin crimson

Achieve the skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of blue. Use viridian green mixed with white and yellow to create the various green hues. Mix burnt umber with blue and red for the darker tones.

techniques