plate no. 5702

Red, Red

John Bratby, 1990

oilExpressionismportraitfiguresportraitsarchitectureclothingcityscapegroup

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and capturing likeness through simplified forms and bold color choices. It also encourages experimentation with color temperature and creating depth through layering.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and placement of the figures and background architecture.
step 02
Block in the main color areas (red, blue, white) using broad brushstrokes.
step 03
Begin defining the figures' features and clothing details with thicker, more visible brushstrokes.
step 04
Add highlights and shadows to create form and dimension, focusing on the light source.
step 05
Develop the background architecture with simplified shapes and contrasting colors.
step 06
Refine the details of the figures' faces, paying attention to expression and likeness.
step 07
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired expressive effect.

color palette

primary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt umber

Mix various shades of red by adding white or a touch of blue/umber. Achieve the blues by mixing ultramarine with white and small amounts of red or yellow to adjust the temperature.

techniques