plate no. 4036

The Big Indian

Max Pechstein, 1910

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfigurechairinteriorwindowcarpetclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying forms and using bold, expressive brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest. It also provides an opportunity to explore color relationships and create a vibrant, expressive palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, chair, and background elements.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and then moving to the figure and chair.
step 03
Develop the color palette by mixing the primary and secondary colors, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone and hue.
step 04
Add details to the figure's clothing, face, and hands, using bold brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest.
step 05
Define the edges of the shapes and forms, using contrasting colors and values to create depth and dimension.
step 06
Refine the background elements, adding details to the windows and other objects.
step 07
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments to the colors, values, and brushstrokes.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · red · yellow · green · white

secondary · blue · orange · pink

Achieve the various shades of red by mixing red with white, orange, or a touch of blue. Create the greens by mixing yellow and blue, and adjust the intensity with white or a touch of red.

techniques