plate no. 3470

The grieving women

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfigureslandscapegrievinghoodstreesemotional

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in expressive poses and using a limited color palette to create a somber mood. It also offers practice in layering colors and creating texture with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes of the figures with thin washes of color, establishing the overall value structure.
step 03
Begin layering colors to define the forms and create depth, paying attention to the subtle variations in hue and value.
step 04
Add details to the figures, such as the folds in their clothing and the expressions on their faces (or lack thereof).
step 05
Develop the background landscape, using loose brushstrokes and muted colors to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 06
Refine the edges of the figures and objects, softening some and sharpening others to create visual interest.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of form and depth.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments to balance the elements.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre

Achieve the muted tones by mixing the primary colors with each other and with white. Use small amounts of red or yellow to warm up the browns and blues.

techniques