plate no. 4063

Portrait of a Lady

Louay Kayyali, 1964

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigurewomanhairclothingface

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and creating depth using a limited color palette. It also provides practice in visible brushstroke techniques to build texture and form.

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 on the canvas.
step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of yellow-green.
step 03
Block in the main areas of the face, hair, and clothing with corresponding base colors.
step 04
Begin layering darker tones to define shadows and contours on the face and clothing.
step 05
Add lighter tones to highlight the features and create a sense of volume.
step 06
Refine the details of the eyes, nose, and mouth, paying attention to their shapes and placement.
step 07
Use visible brushstrokes to add texture and depth to the hair and clothing.
step 08
Adjust the overall color balance and contrast to achieve the desired mood and effect.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ivory black

secondary · sap green · raw sienna

Mix yellow ochre and burnt umber for skin tones, adding small amounts of black for shadows. Use sap green and yellow ochre for the background, adjusting the ratio for variations in tone.

techniques