plate no. 9191

Stilhet

Helene Schjerfbeck, 1907

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigurewomandressfacedark background

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing subtle skin tones and creating depth with a limited color palette. It also provides practice in achieving soft, blended transitions and working with a dark background.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Prepare a canvas with a dark, neutral ground (e.g., burnt umber or black).
step 02
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head, shoulders, and dress, paying attention to proportions.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color: the skin tones, the blue dress, and the dark background.
step 04
Begin blending the skin tones, using subtle variations of light and shadow to define the facial features.
step 05
Work on the dress, adding highlights and shadows to create a sense of form and texture.
step 06
Refine the details of the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using small, precise brushstrokes.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of harmony and balance.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · raw umber

secondary · cadmium red light · ivory black

Mix skin tones using white, raw umber, and a touch of red. Create the blue dress by mixing white and ultramarine blue. Use black to darken values and create shadows.

techniques