plate no. 3758

The Little Seamstress

Matthew Smith, 1917

oilFauvismportraitportraitfigurechairclothingwomanseated

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and color mixing to create form and mood. It also encourages simplification of shapes and bold color choices.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure and chair.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the background blue, the orange of the dress, and the dark green of the skirt.
step 03
Start adding layers of color to the face, using reds, oranges, and yellows to create the skin tones.
step 04
Develop the details of the clothing, paying attention to the way the light and shadow create form.
step 05
Add details to the chair, using pink and orange tones.
step 06
Refine the background, adding subtle variations in color and texture.
step 07
Add final touches and highlights to the figure and clothing.
step 08
Step back and adjust the overall composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow · cadmium red

secondary · viridian green · burnt sienna

Mix various shades of orange by combining cadmium yellow and cadmium red. Create the dark green by mixing viridian green and burnt sienna. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques