plate no. 5629

Portrait of the Journalist Sylvia Von Harden

Otto Dix, 1926

oil, tempera, woodExpressionismportraitportraitfiguretableinteriorcigaretteplaid

experienced study

Recreating this painting helps develop skills in portraiture, particularly capturing unique facial features and expressions, and in rendering textures like fabric and marble. Students will also learn about color mixing to achieve realistic skin tones and subtle variations in the red background.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure and objects.
step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of red, gradually building up layers for depth.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, paying attention to the plaid pattern of the dress.
step 04
Develop the facial features, focusing on accurate proportions and capturing the subject's unique expression.
step 05
Add details to the table and objects, including the marble texture, cigarette, and matchboxes.
step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows to create a sense of depth and volume.
step 07
Add final details, such as the ring and the smoke from the cigarette.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · red · black · white · flesh tones

secondary · brown · yellow · gray

Mix various shades of red by combining primary red with black and white. Achieve skin tones by blending white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use gray and white to create the marble effect on the table.

techniques