plate no. 6261

Portrait of a Woman

Maggie Laubser, 1922

oilExpressionismportraitportraitwomanhairjewelryclothingface

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good exercise in capturing likeness through simplified shapes and color blocking. Students can practice mixing skin tones and creating form with visible brushstrokes.

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 head, hair, and clothing.
step 02
Block in the background color with a thin wash.
step 03
Establish the main areas of light and shadow on the face using simplified color blocks.
step 04
Mix and apply skin tones, focusing on the transitions between light and shadow.
step 05
Paint the hair, using dark tones and visible brushstrokes to suggest texture.
step 06
Add details to the clothing and jewelry, paying attention to color and form.
step 07
Refine the facial features, focusing on the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall form and depth.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt umber · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · viridian green · cadmium yellow

Mix skin tones by combining white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. Use blue and green to create cool shadows. Achieve the hair color by mixing burnt umber and black, adding touches of blue for depth.

techniques

·color blocking
·visible brushstrokes
·scumbling
·limited palette
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→Over-blending the colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
→Getting bogged down in details too early.
→Failing to establish a clear value structure.
→Incorrect proportions of facial features.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (12x16 or similar)
·oil paints (titanium white, burnt umber, cadmium red, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue)
·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
·palette
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·palette knife
·rags