plate no. 0429
Portrait de Ms Jean McKelvie Sclater-Booth
Kees van Dongen, 1920
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, focusing on value relationships.
- step 03
Develop the form of the face, paying attention to the planes and shadows.
- step 04
Add details to the dress, using loose brushstrokes to suggest texture.
- step 05
Paint the dog, capturing its unique features and expression.
- step 06
Refine the background, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the overall effect.
- step 08
Adjust colors and values as needed to achieve a harmonious composition.
color palette
primary · gray · white · black · flesh tones
secondary · red · brown · blue
Mix various shades of gray by combining white, black, and small amounts of blue or brown. Achieve flesh tones by mixing white, red, yellow, and a touch of green or blue.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·dry brush
- ·color mixing
- ·scumbling
- ·expressive brushwork
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Getting bogged down in realism
- →Ignoring the overall composition
- →Not paying attention to value relationships
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting knife
- ·retarder medium
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly, while oils offer richer colors and blending capabilities.
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