plate no. 1925

Portrait study of a wife, a sketch to "Strange Garden"

Józef Mehoffer, 1903

oilSymbolismsketch and studyportraitfigurewomanhatclothingface

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and using subtle color variations to model form. It also provides practice in creating depth and atmosphere with a limited palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, shoulders, and hat.
step 02
Establish the background with a dark, muted green.
step 03
Block in the main areas of the face with a light flesh tone.
step 04
Add shadows and highlights to define the facial features.
step 05
Paint the dark blue dress, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
step 06
Add the details of the hat and its green embellishments.
step 07
Refine the facial features and add subtle color variations.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust values as needed.

color palette

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

secondary · viridian green · cadmium red light

Mix flesh tones using titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of cadmium red light. Create the dark blue by mixing ultramarine blue and burnt umber. Achieve the green by mixing ultramarine blue and yellow ochre.

techniques