plate no. 9456

Portrait of woman

oilExpressionismportraitfigureportraitwomanshawldressfan

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice layering colors to create depth and using visible brushstrokes to add texture and energy to the portrait. It also provides an opportunity to study light and shadow on fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, shawl, and dress.
step 02
Establish the background with dark, warm tones, creating a sense of depth.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the shawl, dress, and skin, using a limited palette.
step 04
Develop the highlights and shadows on the shawl, paying attention to the folds and drapery.
step 05
Add details to the face, focusing on the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Refine the details of the dress and fan, adding texture and patterns.
step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and value contrast to create a cohesive and expressive portrait.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · cadmium red · titanium white

secondary · ivory black · sap green

Mix burnt umber and yellow ochre for the shawl's warm tones. Use cadmium red and burnt umber for the dress. Mix white with small amounts of other colors for highlights.

techniques

·broken color
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·layering
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the expressive brushstrokes.
→Failing to establish a strong value contrast.
→Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
→Ignoring the proportions of the figure.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·oil paints (burnt umber, yellow ochre, cadmium red, titanium white, ivory black)
·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
·palette
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·rags

optional

·palette knife
·medium gloss
·easel

Use a canvas with a medium texture to enhance the brushstrokes. Consider using a toned canvas (e.g., with a thin wash of burnt umber) to create a warmer base.

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