plate no. 4187
Suzanne
Carl Larsson, 1894
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, watercolor layering, and creating soft, diffused lighting effects. It also provides practice in capturing subtle skin tones and textures.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and proportions of the figure and the background elements.
- step 02
Apply a thin wash of diluted warm colors (yellow ochre, raw sienna) to the skin and background areas.
- step 03
Begin layering darker washes to define shadows and contours on the face, dress, and background.
- step 04
Mix and apply the dark blue/black for the dress, building up the color in layers to create depth.
- step 05
Add details to the face, hair, and clothing, using smaller brushes and more concentrated pigments.
- step 06
Paint the background details, such as the artwork on the wall and the architectural elements.
- step 07
Refine the overall composition by adjusting values and adding highlights where needed.
- step 08
Add final touches and details, such as the green ribbon in her hair and the details on her shoes.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · yellow ochre
secondary · raw sienna · ivory black · sap green
Mix ultramarine blue and burnt sienna to create a dark, muted black for the dress. Use yellow ochre and raw sienna for the skin tones, adding small amounts of red or blue to adjust the warmth and coolness.
techniques
- ·Watercolor washes
- ·Layering
- ·Dry brushing
- ·Glazing
- ·Lifting
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the watercolor and losing the luminosity.
- →Using too much water and creating muddy colors.
- →Not allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next.
- →Struggling with the proportions of the figure.
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
- ·Watercolor paints (tubes or pans)
- ·Watercolor paper (140lb or heavier)
- ·Round watercolor brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6, 8)
- ·Palette for mixing paints
- ·Water container
- ·Paper towels
- ·Pencil (2B or softer)
- ·Eraser
optional
- ·Masking fluid
- ·Palette knife
- ·Watercolor pencils
Use high-quality watercolor paints and paper for best results. Experiment with different brush sizes and techniques to achieve the desired effects.
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