plate no. 7929

Rosa Meissner

Edvard Munch, 1907

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigurewomanhairclothingface

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing likeness through expressive brushstrokes and understanding color temperature variations in skin tones. It also provides practice in creating a dynamic background that complements the subject.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, shoulders, and main features.
step 02
Block in the background with loose, vertical strokes of varying colors, capturing the overall impression rather than specific details.
step 03
Establish the main areas of light and shadow on the face and neck using thin washes of color.
step 04
Build up the skin tones with layers of short, broken brushstrokes, mixing colors directly on the canvas to create subtle variations.
step 05
Define the features of the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, with careful attention to shape and value.
step 06
Add details to the hair and clothing, using thicker paint and more visible brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the background, adding highlights and shadows to create depth and interest.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition, ensuring that the figure is the focal point of the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · alizarin crimson

secondary · ultramarine blue · viridian green · cadmium yellow light

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and alizarin crimson, adjusting the proportions to create warm and cool variations. Use ultramarine blue and burnt sienna to create the darker tones in the clothing and background.

techniques