plate no. 0736

Portrait de Jeanne

André Lhote, 1908

oilPost-Impressionismportraitportraitfigurewomanheadscarfface

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying forms and using color to define planes. It also provides practice in capturing a likeness with a limited palette.

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, focusing on the head, shoulders, and headscarf.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: skin tones, headscarf, background, and clothing.
step 03
Refine the skin tones, adding subtle variations in color and value to create form.
step 04
Develop the headscarf, paying attention to the folds and shadows.
step 05
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using a limited palette of colors.
step 06
Define the edges of the forms with darker values to create contrast and depth.
step 07
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall effect.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

secondary · cadmium red · titanium white

Mix yellow ochre and burnt sienna for skin tones, adding small amounts of red for warmth. Use ultramarine blue and white for the headscarf, adjusting the value with more white or blue. Mix blue and burnt sienna for the background.

techniques