plate no. 0169

Spring

Teodor Axentowicz, 1900

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)symbolic paintingfigurewomanmirrorhairflowerportrait

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in blending pastel colors to create soft transitions and capturing subtle skin tones. It also provides practice in rendering the human form and creating a sense of atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, mirror, and background.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme with broad strokes of pastel.
step 03
Begin layering colors to build up the skin tones, focusing on subtle variations in value.
step 04
Develop the hair, using a combination of short and long strokes to create texture and movement.
step 05
Refine the background, blending colors to create a soft, atmospheric effect.
step 06
Add details to the mirror and flower, paying attention to their form and texture.
step 07
Adjust the overall composition, making sure the values and colors are balanced.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · flesh tones (various pinks, oranges, yellows) · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · raw umber · light green · lavender

Achieve skin tones by layering pinks, oranges, and yellows, and use blues and purples for shadows. Mix browns and yellows for the background earth tones. Create the hair color by layering reds, oranges, and browns.

techniques