plate no. 7311
Taras Shevchenko
Alla Horska, 1960
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand the use of negative space and bold brushstrokes to create a dramatic portrait. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
5
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, head covering, and chain.
- step 02
Block in the background with solid black paint, ensuring even coverage.
- step 03
Mix a light orange color for the figure and head covering.
- step 04
Apply the orange paint with bold, visible brushstrokes, leaving gaps to create texture.
- step 05
Add darker orange tones to define shadows and details.
- step 06
Carefully paint the chain, paying attention to the links and their connections.
- step 07
Refine the facial features, using small brushstrokes to capture the expression.
- step 08
Add any final details or corrections.
color palette
primary · black · light orange
secondary · darker orange
Mix the light orange using yellow ochre and titanium white. Add a touch of burnt sienna to create the darker orange for shadows.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·negative space
- ·blocking in
- ·simplification
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the orange areas and losing the texture.
- →Making the background uneven or streaky.
- →Failing to simplify the shapes and details.
- →Not achieving enough contrast between the figure and the background.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·black acrylic paint
- ·yellow ochre acrylic paint
- ·titanium white acrylic paint
- ·burnt sienna acrylic paint
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·#4 round brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retarder medium
Use a canvas with a slightly rough texture to enhance the dry brush effect. Acrylic paint is recommended for its quick drying time.
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