plate no. 9287

Remembering Marga

Gebre Kristos Desta, 1963

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigurefacehairpersoneyes

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in capturing a likeness with simplified forms and expressive brushstrokes. Students will learn to create depth and form using a limited color palette and bold application of paint.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the head, face, and hair using light pencil lines.
step 02
Block in the background with a dark blue or black, leaving space for the figure.
step 03
Apply a base layer of dark blue/purple to the face, defining the shadows.
step 04
Add highlights to the face with lighter blues and whites, focusing on the nose, forehead, and cheekbones.
step 05
Paint the hair using a mix of red, brown, and purple, applying bold strokes to suggest texture and movement.
step 06
Define the eyes, nose, and mouth with darker lines and subtle highlights.
step 07
Add small details and refine the shapes, paying attention to the overall balance and composition.
step 08
Add final highlights with white to capture light.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · purple

Mix ultramarine blue and burnt sienna to create the dark shadows. Add white to create lighter shades of blue. Use cadmium red for highlights in the hair and lips.

techniques