plate no. 6453

Seated Woman, Green Interior

Richard Diebenkorn, 1961

oil, canvasExpressionismportraitfigurechairinteriortableportraitroom

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and simplifying complex forms into basic shapes. It also encourages experimentation with color mixing and layering to create depth and texture.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, chair, table, and background.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: green for the wall, blue for the floor, and approximate colors for the figure and chair.
step 03
Start layering colors within each area, using visible brushstrokes to build texture and depth.
step 04
Mix and apply variations of green to create a sense of depth and light on the wall.
step 05
Develop the figure's form with loose brushstrokes, focusing on capturing the overall pose and proportions.
step 06
Define the chair's structure with darker blues and blacks, using directional strokes to suggest form.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to the table and floor to create a sense of space.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed, paying attention to the overall balance and harmony of the painting.

color palette

primary · viridian green · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · titanium white · yellow ochre · cadmium red

Mix greens by combining viridian with white, blue, or yellow. Achieve skin tones by mixing white, burnt umber, and a touch of red or yellow. Darken colors with burnt umber or ultramarine blue.

techniques