Portrait of Suzy Solidor by Francis Picabia

plate no. 6242

Portrait of Suzy Solidor

Francis Picabia, 1933

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigurehairskinface

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice portraiture and figure drawing with simplified forms and visible brushstrokes. Students can learn to create depth and form using value changes and color temperature.

technical profile

palette complexity

3

brushwork visibility

4

value contrast

3

compositional simplicity

4

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and head.
step 02
Block in the background with a dark, neutral color.
step 03
Establish the main light and shadow areas on the skin using a limited palette.
step 04
Mix skin tones by combining white, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and a touch of red.
step 05
Add details to the face, focusing on the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Paint the hair, using short, directional brushstrokes to suggest texture.
step 07
Refine the edges and add highlights to create a sense of form.
step 08
Add the 'SUZY' text on the side.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red · ivory black

Mix skin tones by blending white with yellow ochre and small amounts of burnt sienna and red. Use blue and black to create cooler shadows.

techniques

·blocking in
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·color mixing
·portraiture

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the expressive brushstrokes.
→Incorrect proportions in the figure drawing.
→Muddying the colors by overmixing.
→Failing to establish a clear light source.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes (various sizes)
·flat brushes (various sizes)
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil or acrylic medium
·mineral spirits or water (for cleaning)

optional

·painting medium
·retarder
·varnish

Use a medium-grain canvas for better texture. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils allow for more blending time.

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