plate no. 0632

Portrait of a Girl

Guan Zilan, 1929

oilFauvismportraitportraitfiguredogclothingchairdrapery

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing, layering, and capturing the essence of a subject using simplified forms and bold brushstrokes. It also provides practice in painting fabric patterns and rendering a portrait with expressive color.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to the placement of the figure, dog, and background elements.
step 02
Block in the main colors of the background, figure, and clothing using broad strokes.
step 03
Begin layering colors to create depth and dimension, focusing on the interplay of light and shadow.
step 04
Add details to the face, hands, and dog, using smaller brushstrokes to define features.
step 05
Develop the patterns on the clothing, using a variety of colors and brushstrokes to create visual interest.
step 06
Refine the background and add any final details to complete the painting.
step 07
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments to balance the colors and shapes.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and form.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · orange · black

Mix various shades of blue by combining ultramarine with white or black. Create orange by mixing cadmium red and yellow ochre. Achieve skin tones by blending white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red.

techniques