plate no. 5898

Portrait of Countess G. Z.

Istvan Farkas, 1931

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigurehattreehandsclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using visible brushstrokes to create texture and depth. It's also a good exercise in limited color palette painting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure, chair, and background elements using light pencil lines.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: green for the background, blue for the clothing, brown for the hat and cloak, and flesh tones for the face and hands.
step 03
Add darker values to define the shadows and contours of the figure and objects.
step 04
Introduce lighter values to highlight the forms and create a sense of volume.
step 05
Use visible brushstrokes to add texture and interest to the painting.
step 06
Refine the details of the face, hands, and clothing, paying attention to the proportions and shapes.
step 07
Add the tree and fence in the background with simple, gestural strokes.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors, values, and details to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · green · blue · brown · flesh tone

secondary · black · white

Mix the green background by combining blue and yellow with a touch of white. Create the flesh tones by mixing red, yellow, and white, adding small amounts of blue or green to adjust the hue.

techniques

·blocking in
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·simplification of form
·limited palette

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
→Failing to simplify the forms and creating a cluttered composition.
→Using too many colors and creating a muddy or chaotic palette.
→Not paying attention to the proportions of the figure.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Acrylic or oil paints (green, blue, brown, flesh tone, black, white)
·Assorted brushes (flat and round)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
·Rags or paper towels

optional

·Medium (for oil paints)
·Easel
·Apron

Use a canvas with a medium texture to enhance the visibility of the brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette of colors to simplify the mixing process.

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