Quappi in blue in a boat by Max Beckmann

plate no. 4072

Quappi in blue in a boat

Max Beckmann, 1950

oilExpressionismportraitfigureportraitseaboatswimsuitsky

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and the boat.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and sea.
step 03
Mix and apply the base skin tone, then add shadows and highlights.
step 04
Paint the swimsuit and towel, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
step 05
Add details to the face, focusing on the eyes and mouth.
step 06
Define the edges of the forms with darker outlines.
step 07
Add final touches and highlights to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Review and adjust colors and values as needed.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · raw umber

Mix skin tones by blending burnt sienna, white, and a touch of blue. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, adjusting the ratio for lighter and darker areas. Add yellow ochre to white for the boat's highlights.

techniques

·blocking in
·color mixing
·impasto
·scumbling
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the bold, expressive brushstrokes.
→Not mixing enough paint and running out mid-stroke.
→Failing to simplify the forms and getting bogged down in unnecessary details.
→Inaccurate proportions of the figure.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·ultramarine blue oil paint
·burnt sienna oil paint
·titanium white oil paint
·yellow ochre oil paint
·raw umber oil paint
·medium-sized flat brushes
·palette

optional

·palette knife
·linseed oil
·turpentine

Use good quality oil paints for best results. A medium-sized canvas (e.g., 16x20 inches) is recommended.

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