plate no. 4230

Sisters

Vajda Lajos, 1936

oilExpressionismportraitfiguresportraitsclothingheadwearabstractfaces

suitable for beginners

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a harmonious composition. It's a good exercise in capturing the essence of a subject rather than precise realism.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figures and their clothing, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the background color with a thin wash of the primary background hue.
step 03
Establish the main color blocks for the figures' clothing and headwear, using slightly darker values.
step 04
Mix the skin tones and apply them to the faces, keeping the details minimal.
step 05
Add the darker outlines and details to define the shapes and create contrast.
step 06
Refine the shapes and colors, paying attention to the subtle variations within each area.
step 07
Add any final details or adjustments to balance the composition.
step 08
Let dry and add a varnish for protection.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · raw umber · olive green

secondary · black · titanium white · light blue

Mix burnt sienna and raw umber to create the various shades of brown for the clothing and headwear. Add a touch of white to lighten the colors and create highlights. Mix olive green and white for the skin tones.

techniques

·blocking in
·limited palette
·simplification of form
·scumbling
·layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details
→Using too many colors
→Losing the simplicity of the original
→Incorrect proportions

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·burnt sienna oil paint
·raw umber oil paint
·olive green oil paint
·black oil paint
·titanium white oil paint
·#6 flat brush

optional

·palette knife
·linseed oil
·medium gloss

Use a canvas with a slightly textured surface to enhance the visible brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette of oil paints to simplify the color mixing process.

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