plate no. 1478

Pastry Cook with Red Handkerchief

Chaim Soutine, 1923

oil, canvasExpressionismportraitportraitfigurechefclothinghandkerchiefhat

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and capturing a likeness through simplified forms and color variations. It's a good exercise in understanding how to use color temperature to create depth and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Begin to define the facial features, using short, expressive brushstrokes.
step 04
Add details to the chef's hat and uniform, paying attention to the folds and creases.
step 05
Develop the background with loose, gestural strokes.
step 06
Introduce the red handkerchief, using bold strokes of red and orange.
step 07
Refine the edges and details, adding highlights and shadows.
step 08
Step back and make any necessary adjustments to the composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt umber · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Mix white with small amounts of umber and blue to create the various shades of white in the chef's uniform. Use red and yellow ochre for the handkerchief, and mix umber with white and a touch of red for skin tones.

techniques