plate no. 7460
The Fortune Teller
Mikhail Vrubel, 1895
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow with expressive brushstrokes and mixing muted, earthy tones to create a sense of atmosphere.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
- step 03
Block in the main color areas, focusing on the relationships between colors rather than precise matches.
- step 04
Develop the details of the face, paying attention to the subtle shifts in value and color.
- step 05
Add texture and interest to the shawl and carpet with bold, expressive brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the edges and details, using both thick and thin paint to create a sense of depth.
- step 07
Add highlights to the face, hands, and shawl to bring the figure to life.
- step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · alizarin crimson
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · viridian
Mix muted browns and grays by combining the primary colors with white. Use small amounts of blue or green to cool down the browns and create depth.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brush
- ·alla prima
- ·impasto
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Getting bogged down in trying to match the colors exactly.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Ignoring the importance of edges and transitions.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·painting easel
- ·mahl stick
Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for expressive brushwork. Consider using a limited palette of colors to simplify the mixing process.
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