plate no. 9746

Study for the Wave

Carlos Schwabe, 1907

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)sketch and studyfigureportraitdraperyhairhandface

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering form with limited color palettes and understanding dramatic lighting. Students will also learn to create texture and depth using hatching and cross-hatching techniques.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch of the figure, paying attention to proportions and gesture.
step 02
Establish the main light source and map out areas of light and shadow.
step 03
Begin layering in the base tones using a mid-tone color.
step 04
Gradually build up the darker values using darker shades of brown and black.
step 05
Add highlights using lighter shades of beige and white.
step 06
Refine the details of the face, hair, and drapery.
step 07
Use hatching and cross-hatching to create texture and depth.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust values as needed.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black

secondary · titanium white · yellow ochre

Mix burnt umber and ivory black for dark shadows. Use raw sienna and titanium white for highlights. Add a touch of yellow ochre to raw sienna for warmer tones.

techniques