plate no. 5621
Portrait de Jeune fille
Auguste Herbin, 1907
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop their understanding of color temperature and how to use bold brushstrokes to create form. Students will also learn how to simplify complex shapes into geometric forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, shoulders, and hat.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and then moving to the figure's skin, clothing, and hat.
- step 03
Use bold brushstrokes to define the forms and create texture, paying attention to the direction of the strokes.
- step 04
Mix and apply colors for the face, using a limited palette to create a sense of harmony.
- step 05
Add details to the hat, using a variety of colors and brushstrokes to create visual interest.
- step 06
Refine the edges and contours of the figure, using small brushstrokes to blend the colors together.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to the colors, values, and composition.
color palette
primary · yellow · blue · red
secondary · green · pink · purple
Mix greens by combining yellow and blue. Achieve skin tones by mixing red, yellow, and a touch of blue. Vary the blues by adding small amounts of red or yellow.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impasto
- ·color mixing
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·blocking in
common pitfalls
- →Overblending the colors, which can result in a muddy appearance.
- →Getting bogged down in details too early in the process.
- →Not paying attention to the direction of the brushstrokes.
- →Failing to simplify the forms into basic shapes.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
- ·Acrylic or oil paints (yellow, blue, red, white, black)
- ·Assorted brushes (flat and round)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Linseed oil (for oil paints)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·palette paper
Use a limited palette to create a sense of harmony. Experiment with different brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest.
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