plate no. 7153
The Portrait of A.Rozanov
Olga Rozanova, 1912
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify forms into geometric shapes and practice color blocking to define planes and create depth. It also offers practice in capturing likeness through simplified shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head, shoulders, and facial features, focusing on proportions.
- step 02
Block in the background with a solid layer of blue paint.
- step 03
Begin filling in the larger areas of the face, hair, and clothing with their base colors, using flat, distinct shapes.
- step 04
Add darker tones to create shadows and define the planes of the face and clothing.
- step 05
Introduce lighter tones to highlight areas and create dimension.
- step 06
Refine the details of the facial features, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, maintaining the simplified, geometric style.
- step 07
Add details to the clothing, such as the collar and tie, using distinct color blocks.
- step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the colors, shapes, and values.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red
secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black
Mix various shades of brown for the skin tones by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and titanium white. Create darker shades by adding a touch of ivory black. Vary the blue by adding white for lighter shades.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·geometric simplification
- ·limited palette
- ·dry brush texture
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending the colors, which will lose the distinct shapes.
- →Straying too far from the simplified geometric style.
- →Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
- →Ignoring the value contrasts, resulting in a flat, lifeless painting.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·cerulean blue paint
- ·burnt umber paint
- ·titanium white paint
- ·cadmium red paint
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylic paints will dry faster, while oil paints offer more blending time.
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