plate no. 4976
The Fisherwoman
Odilon Redon, 1900
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors with pastels to create depth and atmosphere, as well as simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the figure, boat, fishing net, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the background colors: yellow for the sky, blue for the sea, and beige for the beach.
- step 03
Establish the dark values of the figure's robe using dark blue and purple pastels.
- step 04
Add lighter values to the robe to create highlights and folds.
- step 05
Define the details of the boat and fishing net with brown and blue pastels.
- step 06
Refine the figure's face and hands with subtle color variations.
- step 07
Add final touches and highlights to the entire painting.
- step 08
Soften edges by gently blending pastels with your finger or a blending stump.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber
secondary · purple · beige · red
Mix ultramarine blue and yellow ochre to create the greenish-blue tones of the sea. Use burnt umber and ultramarine blue to create dark browns and grays for the boat and net.
techniques
- ·pastel layering
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
- ·simplifying forms
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending the pastels, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Getting lost in details too early in the process.
- →Not using enough pastel to create rich color saturation.
materials
surface · pastel paper (toned)
required
- ·pastel set (soft pastels)
- ·pastel paper (toned)
- ·kneaded eraser
- ·fixative spray
- ·blending stumps
- ·paper towels
- ·drawing board
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·workable fixative
- ·gloves
Choose a pastel paper with a slightly rough texture to grip the pastels. A toned paper will help to create a more harmonious color scheme.
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