plate no. 0402

Sisters

Kazimir Malevich, 1910

oil, canvasImpressionismportraitfiguresparktreesfencehatsclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplified figure painting and capturing light and shadow with visible brushstrokes. It also provides an opportunity to explore color temperature and atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the fence.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: sky, trees, figures, and ground.
step 03
Start adding details to the figures, focusing on the shapes of the hats and clothing.
step 04
Develop the background with loose, impressionistic brushstrokes.
step 05
Refine the fence, paying attention to its structure and the way it interacts with the figures.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Adjust colors and values as needed to create a harmonious composition.
step 08
Add final details and touch-ups.

color palette

primary · titanium white · viridian green · cerulean blue

secondary · cadmium yellow · rose madder · raw umber

Mix greens by combining viridian green and cadmium yellow. Achieve the skin tones by mixing titanium white, rose madder, and a touch of cadmium yellow. Use raw umber to create darker values and shadows.

techniques

·broken color
·impasto
·scumbling
·color mixing
·simplified forms

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the impressionistic feel.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.
→Ignoring the importance of value contrast.
→Not simplifying the forms enough.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·oil paints (titanium white, viridian green, cerulean blue, cadmium yellow, rose madder, raw umber)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·mineral spirits
·rags