plate no. 0373
Portrait de nonnes
suitable for beginners
This painting is a good exercise in simplifying forms and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive image. Students will learn to identify and paint basic shapes and planes of the face and body.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
1
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figures, horizon line, and sun.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, sea, land, and the black robes.
- step 03
Mix the skin tone and apply it to the faces and hands, paying attention to the subtle variations in value.
- step 04
Add details to the faces, such as eyes, noses, and mouths, using thin lines.
- step 05
Refine the shapes of the robes and hands, adding subtle shadows and highlights.
- step 06
Adjust the colors and values as needed to create a harmonious composition.
- step 07
Add the sun in the background.
- step 08
Clean up any rough edges and add final details.
color palette
primary · black · sky blue · tan · flesh tone
secondary · light blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna
Mix the skin tone by combining tan, burnt sienna, and a touch of white. Create the sky by mixing blue and white, and the sea by adding a touch of yellow to the blue.
techniques
- ·flat color application
- ·simplified form
- ·limited palette
- ·blending
- ·contour lining
common pitfalls
- →overcomplicating the forms
- →using too many colors
- →not paying attention to the proportions of the figures
- →muddying the colors
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints
- ·flat brushes
- ·round brushes
- ·palette
- ·water
- ·paper towels
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·easel
- ·medium
Use a smooth canvas for best results. Acrylic paints are recommended for their quick drying time and ease of use.
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