plate no. 3958

Sinfonia Azul (Maria)

Antonio Carneiro, 1920

oilImpressionismportraitfigureportraitchairwindowlightdress

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice capturing light and shadow on a figure and creating a sense of atmosphere through loose brushwork. Students can develop their skills in color mixing and value control to depict the subtle variations in light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch to define the main shapes and proportions of the figure, chair, and background.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the dark and light areas with thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin to refine the figure's form by adding layers of paint, focusing on the interplay of light and shadow.
step 04
Mix and apply colors to capture the subtle variations in the dress, paying attention to how light affects the color.
step 05
Develop the background by using loose brushstrokes to suggest the forms and textures.
step 06
Add details to the face and hands, being careful not to overwork them.
step 07
Adjust the overall composition and value structure to create a sense of balance and harmony.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · raw umber

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · alizarin crimson

Mix white with small amounts of blue and umber to create the cool tones in the dress and shadows. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna to create the warm light and background tones. Add alizarin crimson to create the pinkish tones in the face and hands.

techniques