plate no. 5025

The Ostrich Feather Hat

Henri Matisse, 1918

oilPost-Impressionismportraitportraitfigurehatchairdressinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing, and capturing the essence of a subject with simplified forms and expressive brushstrokes. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and form using color and value.

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 and proportions of the figure, chair, and background.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, starting with the background and then the larger shapes of the figure and chair.
step 03
Mix and apply the skin tones, paying attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
step 04
Add the details of the dress, hat, and chair, using short, expressive brushstrokes.
step 05
Refine the facial features, focusing on capturing the subject's expression.
step 06
Add the black lines of the dress and the hat's feather.
step 07
Adjust the colors and values as needed to create a sense of depth and harmony.
step 08
Add final details and highlights.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Yellow Ochre · Titanium White · Burnt Sienna

secondary · Black · Cadmium Red · Viridian

Mix greens by combining Prussian Blue and Yellow Ochre. Achieve skin tones by mixing Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, and Titanium White, with small amounts of Cadmium Red for warmth. Use white to lighten values and create highlights.

techniques