plate no. 1674

Spieler

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigureshatclothingshadows

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to use color to create form and shadow, as well as how to simplify complex subjects into basic shapes. It also provides practice in using visible brushstrokes to add texture and energy to a painting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the two figures, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the darkest values for the background and shadows.
step 03
Apply the mid-tones, blending them slightly into the dark areas to create a sense of depth.
step 04
Add the highlights, using brighter colors to define the forms and create contrast.
step 05
Refine the details of the faces and clothing, paying attention to the direction of the brushstrokes.
step 06
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.
step 07
Consider adding the signature in the upper right corner with a fine brush.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium orange · viridian green · titanium white

Mix blue and burnt sienna for the dark shadows. Use yellow ochre and white to create the lighter areas of the hat. Mix orange with white to create the highlights on the faces.

techniques

·blocking in
·color mixing
·visible brushstrokes
·scumbling
·layering

common pitfalls

→Over-blending the colors, which can result in a muddy appearance.
→Failing to establish a strong value contrast, which can make the painting look flat.
→Getting lost in the details too early, before establishing the basic shapes and colors.
→Not paying attention to the direction of the brushstrokes, which can affect the overall texture and energy of the painting.