plate no. 7209

Portrait of Jean Cocteau

Amedeo Modigliani, 1917

oil, canvasExpressionismportraitportraitfiguremanchairsuitindoors

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify forms and use color to create a sense of depth and mood. It also provides practice in capturing a likeness with expressive distortions.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure and the chair, paying attention to proportions and angles.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and then the figure's clothing and skin.
step 03
Gradually build up the colors, adding layers of paint to create depth and dimension.
step 04
Define the facial features, using subtle variations in color and value to create a sense of form.
step 05
Add details such as the bow tie, pocket square, and the highlights on the skin.
step 06
Refine the brushwork, using short, expressive strokes to create texture and movement.
step 07
Adjust the overall composition, making sure that the figure is balanced and harmonious within the frame.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light

Mix ivory black and raw umber for the suit, adding small amounts of ultramarine blue for cooler tones. Use yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and cadmium red light for the skin tones, adjusting the proportions to create different shades.

techniques