plate no. 9571

The Harlot of Marseilles

Boris Grigoriev, 1923

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigurewindowinteriorhatreflection

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and creating depth through value and color. It also offers practice in depicting reflections and complex compositions.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the figure, the window, and the background.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background red and the figure's black clothing.
step 03
Develop the skin tones of the face, paying attention to the subtle shifts in value and color.
step 04
Paint the window reflection, simplifying the shapes and colors to suggest the scene beyond.
step 05
Add details to the figure, such as the collar and the hands.
step 06
Refine the background pattern and the shadows around the figure.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to the face and clothing.
step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · red · black · white · ochre

secondary · green · brown · grey

Achieve the skin tones by mixing ochre, white, and small amounts of red and brown. Create the background red by mixing a deep red with a touch of brown to dull it down.

techniques