plate no. 2218

Portrait

Émilie Charmy, 1921

oilExpressionismportraitfigureportraitdresswomanface

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying forms, mixing skin tones, and capturing a likeness with expressive brushstrokes. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and volume through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of the dominant yellow-ochre color.
step 03
Establish the main areas of the dress with a mid-tone red, paying attention to the folds and curves.
step 04
Mix and apply the skin tones, focusing on the subtle variations in light and shadow on the face and arms.
step 05
Add darker values to define the shadows and create depth in the dress and figure.
step 06
Introduce highlights to the dress and skin, using lighter shades of red and skin tones.
step 07
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed to achieve a cohesive and expressive portrait.

color palette

primary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · ultramarine blue

Mix skin tones by blending white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use burnt umber and ultramarine blue to create darker shadows and subtle variations in the background.

techniques

·blocking in
·scumbling
·color mixing
·expressive brushwork
·layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
→Failing to accurately capture the proportions of the figure.
→Using colors that are too saturated or intense.
→Ignoring the subtle value changes that create depth and volume.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
·oil paints (cadmium red, yellow ochre, titanium white, burnt umber, ultramarine blue)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·rags