plate no. 2208

The Aged Sailor and the Old Woman

Istvan Farkas, 1939

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfiguressailorold womanlandscapeskyclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify forms and use expressive brushstrokes to convey mood. It also provides practice in mixing muted colors and creating a sense of depth through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, land, and the main colors of the figures' clothing.
step 03
Develop the sky with blended layers of purple and white, creating a soft, diffused light.
step 04
Add details to the landscape, focusing on the subtle color variations in the green field.
step 05
Refine the figures, paying attention to the shapes of their faces and clothing. Use visible brushstrokes to add texture and character.
step 06
Mix and apply the colors for the faces, using thin layers to build up depth and form.
step 07
Add the details of the clothing, such as the collar of the old woman and the sailor's hat.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to create a cohesive and expressive painting.

color palette

primary · purple · green · red · black

secondary · white · grey · brown

Mix muted tones by combining complementary colors. Use white to lighten colors and create subtle value changes. The skin tones are achieved by mixing red, yellow, and white with small amounts of blue or green to create shadows.

techniques