plate no. 1382

Phantom Cat

Alina Danilova, 2019

pastel, paperExpressionismanimal paintingcatanimalportraiteyesdarkpastel

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop their understanding of color blending with pastels and how to create a sense of movement with directional strokes. It also provides practice in capturing animal form with simplified shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 4 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shape of the cat and its position on the paper.
step 02
Establish the background by applying broad strokes of brown and ochre pastels, radiating outwards from the cat.
step 03
Add touches of red and orange to the background to create depth and visual interest.
step 04
Block in the dark areas of the cat's body with black and dark brown pastels.
step 05
Use lighter browns and reds to suggest form and highlights on the cat.
step 06
Carefully add the details of the cat's face, paying attention to the shape and placement of the eyes.
step 07
Use a blending stump or your finger to soften the edges of the pastel strokes and create a smoother transition between colors.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to the cat and background to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · black · brown · ochre

secondary · red · orange · green

Mix browns and ochres to create the base for the background. Use orange and red to add warmth. Create a muted green by mixing yellow and a touch of black for the eyes.

techniques

·pastel blending
·directional strokes
·layering
·scumbling
·highlighting

common pitfalls

→Over-blending, which can result in a muddy appearance.
→Using too much pressure when applying the pastels, which can make it difficult to blend.
→Neglecting the background, which is essential for creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
→Not paying attention to the proportions of the cat, which can make it look unnatural.