plate no. 9162

Reflexion

Roderic O'Conor, 1905

oilPost-Impressionismportraitfigurewomanhairbookchairportrait

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice loose brushwork and capturing light and shadow on a figure. Students can learn to simplify forms and focus on the overall impression rather than precise details.

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 figure, chair, and book.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, focusing on the overall color harmony.
step 03
Start building up layers of paint, using thicker brushstrokes to define the form.
step 04
Pay attention to the light source and how it affects the colors and values.
step 05
Add details to the face and hair, but keep the overall style loose and impressionistic.
step 06
Refine the edges and shapes, making sure they are not too sharp or defined.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · ivory black

Mix yellow ochre and white for the hair, adding touches of burnt sienna for warmth. Use red and blue to create the darker tones in the background and clothing. Mix white with small amounts of red and yellow for skin tones.

techniques

·loose brushwork
·color mixing
·layering
·blending
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→overworking the details
→using too much paint
→getting the proportions wrong
→not paying attention to the light source

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 12x16
·oil paints (yellow ochre, burnt sienna, titanium white, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, ivory black)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·rags