plate no. 8295

Portrait of André Salmon

Marie Laurencin, 1942

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfiguremanbow tieformal wearface

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying forms, understanding planes of the face, and using visible brushstrokes to create 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 head, shoulders, and bow tie.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of green paint, using vertical brushstrokes.
step 03
Establish the main value areas of the face using a limited palette of white, gray, and a touch of pink.
step 04
Define the darker areas of the hair and suit with dark gray and blue.
step 05
Add subtle color variations to the skin tones, using small amounts of yellow and red.
step 06
Refine the features of the face, paying attention to the shapes of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Add details to the bow tie and collar, using short, deliberate brushstrokes.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to create a cohesive and expressive portrait.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · viridian green

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of gray by combining white and black. Achieve skin tones by mixing white, gray, a touch of red, and a hint of yellow. Create the dark blue of the suit by mixing ultramarine blue and black.

techniques