plate no. 5891

Portrait of Soutine

Marevna (Marie Vorobieff), 1955

oilCubismportraitportraitfiguremanhairclothingcubism

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex forms into geometric shapes and use color to define planes. It also provides practice in capturing a likeness with a limited palette.

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 and proportions of the head, shoulders, and background.
step 02
Divide the face into geometric planes, simplifying the features.
step 03
Block in the main color areas for the skin, hair, clothing, and background.
step 04
Refine the shapes and values within each plane, adding subtle color variations.
step 05
Add details to the eyes, nose, and mouth, maintaining the geometric style.
step 06
Define the edges of the planes with slightly darker or lighter values.
step 07
Paint the red scarf, paying attention to its folds and highlights.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust values as needed.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · burnt sienna

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining white, umber, and sienna. Use small amounts of blue to cool down the grays. Mix red with a touch of brown to create the scarf's color.

techniques