plate no. 9128

Seated Woman in White Dress

Helene Schjerfbeck, 1908

oilExpressionismportraitfigureportraitdresstablefruitbackground

some experience helpful

This painting provides a good opportunity to practice creating subtle value shifts and capturing a mood with a limited color palette. Students can learn to simplify forms and focus on essential details.

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, table, and background.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the background, the dress, the table, and the face.
step 03
Begin to refine the shapes and values of the figure, paying attention to the subtle shifts in tone.
step 04
Add the details of the face, focusing on capturing the expression.
step 05
Paint the orange on the table, using a bright, saturated color.
step 06
Refine the background, adding texture and depth with loose brushstrokes.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of harmony.
step 08
Add final details and highlights.

color palette

primary · titanium white · payne's gray · raw umber

secondary · cadmium orange · yellow ochre

Mix Payne's gray and raw umber to create the cool, muted tones of the background. Use white to create the various shades of the dress. Mix cadmium orange with a touch of yellow ochre for the fruit.

techniques