plate no. 8267

Portrait of Milka Peykova

Georgi Kovachev, 1961

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigurehairfaceorange background

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms and using expressive brushstrokes to create texture and interest. It also provides an opportunity to explore color mixing and layering to achieve a dynamic background.

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 of the head, neck, and shoulders, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of orange paint, using loose, visible brushstrokes.
step 03
Mix a skin tone using browns, oranges, and a touch of white, and apply it to the face and neck, leaving some areas lighter and darker to suggest form.
step 04
Paint the hair with dark brown or black, using short, choppy brushstrokes to create texture.
step 05
Mix a dark color for the clothing, incorporating hints of green, red, and brown to add depth.
step 06
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using small, precise brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the edges of the shapes and add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments to the colors, values, or shapes.

color palette

primary · orange · brown · black

secondary · green · red · white

Achieve the skin tone by mixing burnt umber, raw sienna, and titanium white. Darken areas with a touch of black or burnt umber. The clothing color is a mix of dark green, brown, and red.

techniques