plate no. 3097
The Dancer
Marie Laurencin, 1919
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting helps students understand limited color palettes and how to create form using subtle value changes. It also provides practice in capturing a mood with simplified shapes and loose brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, focusing on proportions.
- step 02
Block in the background with a light gray wash.
- step 03
Establish the darkest values in the background and the figure's hair.
- step 04
Begin layering the figure's dress with varying shades of gray, using loose brushstrokes.
- step 05
Add the details of the face, hands, and fan, maintaining the simplified style.
- step 06
Introduce the subtle color accents in the background figure and the cup.
- step 07
Refine the edges and add final highlights to create depth.
- step 08
Review the overall balance of values and make any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · gray · white · brown
secondary · pale blue · red
Mix various shades of gray by combining white with small amounts of black and brown. Use a touch of blue to cool down some grays and a touch of red for the lips.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·limited palette
- ·tonal painting
- ·simplified forms
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive quality.
- →Creating too much contrast, which can flatten the image.
- →Using too many colors and disrupting the harmonious palette.
- →Ignoring the subtle value shifts that create form.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints (white, black, brown, gray)
- ·round brush (various sizes)
- ·flat brush (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
- ·rags
optional
- ·retarder medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for a slightly textured effect. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly due to their faster drying time.
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