plate no. 7300

Silvana Cenni

Felice Casorati, 1922

canvas, temperaArt Nouveau (Modern)portraitfigureportraitdresswindowbuildinginterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing subtle skin tones and rendering fabric folds. It also provides practice in creating depth through atmospheric perspective and understanding light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and proportions of the figure, chair, and background elements.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the main areas of light and shadow with diluted paint.
step 03
Begin refining the skin tones, paying close attention to subtle shifts in color and value.
step 04
Develop the details of the dress, focusing on the folds and drapery.
step 05
Paint the patterned fabric of the chair, simplifying the design as needed.
step 06
Work on the background elements, including the window, building, and interior details.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or value.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · ivory black · cadmium red light

Mix skin tones using white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red and umber. Achieve the muted background colors by mixing umber, white, and a small amount of blue or green.

techniques