plate no. 5962

Portrait

Tove Jansson, 1936

oilPost-Impressionismportraitportraitfigureclothinginteriorchairshadow

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing, and capturing light and shadow. It will also help them understand how to simplify complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 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 values.
step 03
Refine the shapes and proportions of the figure, paying attention to the details of the face and hands.
step 04
Add the details of the clothing and background, such as the stripes on the pants and the items on the rack.
step 05
Develop the light and shadow, using subtle variations in color to create depth and dimension.
step 06
Add the final details, such as the highlights in the eyes and the texture of the clothing.
step 07
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

secondary · cadmium red · titanium white · raw umber

Mix yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the skin tones. Use ultramarine blue and white for the background. Add small amounts of cadmium red to create the scarf and bowl.

techniques