plate no. 9774
Pink blouse
George Mavroides, 1971
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing for skin tones and capturing likeness with simplified forms. It also provides practice in using visible brushstrokes to create texture and form.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, shoulders, and collar.
- step 02
Block in the background with a thin wash of brown.
- step 03
Establish the main skin tone using a mix of white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red.
- step 04
Add shadows and highlights to the face, paying attention to the planes of the face.
- step 05
Paint the hair using dark browns and blacks, with highlights of lighter browns and yellows.
- step 06
Block in the pink blouse and white collar, adding subtle variations in color and value.
- step 07
Refine the details of the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to the hair and clothing.
color palette
primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · raw umber
secondary · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue
Skin tones are achieved by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Vary the proportions to create highlights and shadows. Add a touch of blue to darken shadows.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·color mixing
- ·visible brushstrokes
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overblending the skin tones, resulting in a flat and lifeless appearance.
- →Getting the proportions of the face wrong, leading to an inaccurate likeness.
- →Using too much paint, which can obscure the brushstrokes.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in color and value.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-sized canvas (e.g., 16x20 inches) for this project. Ensure adequate ventilation when working with oil paints and solvents.
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