plate no. 0400

The Girl at the Barber

Mikhail Larionov, 1920

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)genre paintingfiguresinteriorbarberchairmirrorcat

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice capturing figures in a scene with loose brushwork and understanding how to suggest depth through color and value changes. It also encourages simplification of forms and embracing a naive art style.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main figures and objects, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and then the figures.
step 03
Develop the values within each color area, creating highlights and shadows.
step 04
Add details to the faces and clothing, using small brushstrokes.
step 05
Refine the edges of the figures and objects, softening some and sharpening others.
step 06
Introduce secondary colors to create depth and interest.
step 07
Add final details like the cat and reflections in the mirror.
step 08
Review the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt sienna · rose madder

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix white with small amounts of blue and sienna for the cool tones. Use rose madder and white for the pinks. Mix black and sienna for the darker tones.

techniques