plate no. 1977
Portrait of Philomene
Sonia Delaunay, 1907
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify forms and use color to define planes and create a sense of depth. It also provides practice in capturing a likeness with expressive brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head, hat, and collar.
- step 02
Block in the background with light blue and yellow washes.
- step 03
Establish the main planes of the face with simplified shapes and color blocks.
- step 04
Add darker tones to define shadows and contours.
- step 05
Define the features (eyes, nose, mouth) with simple lines and color.
- step 06
Paint the hat with short, textured brushstrokes.
- step 07
Refine the collar and clothing with broad strokes.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust colors as needed.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · sap green
Mix various shades of skin tones by combining yellow ochre, white, and small amounts of red and blue. Use ultramarine blue and white for the cooler background tones. Burnt umber mixed with white creates the darker shades for the hat and clothing.
techniques
- ·blocking
- ·simplified shapes
- ·expressive brushstrokes
- ·color temperature
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Getting bogged down in realism
- →Not simplifying the forms enough
- →Using colors that are too saturated
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-grain canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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