plate no. 4215

Portrait of Lola Schmierer Roth

oilPost-Impressionismportraitportraitfigureclothingchairindoorabstract background

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing, layering, and capturing likeness with expressive brushstrokes. It also encourages exploration of abstract backgrounds to complement the subject.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and chair.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color for the skin, clothing, and background using thin washes.
step 03
Start layering colors to build depth and form, focusing on the light and shadow areas.
step 04
Add details to the face, paying attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Develop the background with loose, expressive brushstrokes, using a variety of colors.
step 06
Refine the details of the clothing and chair, adding texture and patterns.
step 07
Adjust the overall composition and color balance to create a harmonious image.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · burnt sienna · alizarin crimson

Mix skin tones by blending yellow ochre, cadmium red, and titanium white. Achieve the blues in the clothing by mixing ultramarine blue with white and a touch of yellow. Create greens for the background by mixing ultramarine blue and yellow.

techniques