plate no. 4561
Suzy Solidor
Francis Picabia, 1935
some experience helpful
This painting offers practice in subtle color mixing for skin tones and hair, and creating soft edges for a dreamy effect. Students can also develop their skills in portrait proportions and simplified floral details.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
2
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head, neck, and shoulders, paying attention to proportions.
- step 02
Block in the background with a light blue wash, creating subtle variations in tone.
- step 03
Establish the base skin tone with a mix of white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red.
- step 04
Add shadows and highlights to the face and neck, using slightly darker and lighter versions of the base skin tone.
- step 05
Paint the hair with a mix of white, yellow ochre, and a touch of brown, using short, directional strokes.
- step 06
Add the floral garland, starting with the leaves in shades of green and then the flowers in pink.
- step 07
Refine the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 08
Soften edges and blend colors to create a hazy, dreamlike effect.
color palette
primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · light blue · burnt umber
secondary · cadmium red light · sap green
Skin tones are achieved by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Vary the proportions to create highlights and shadows. The hair is a mix of white, yellow ochre, and a touch of brown.
techniques
- ·soft blending
- ·color layering
- ·limited palette
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the soft, dreamy quality.
- →Using too much paint and creating a heavy, muddy effect.
- →Incorrect proportions in the initial sketch.
- →Harsh lines instead of soft edges.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·light blue oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·sap green oil paint
- ·round brushes size 2 and 4
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a canvas with a smooth surface for easier blending. Consider using a medium like linseed oil to thin the paint and create a smoother consistency.
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