plate no. 5355

The sisters of Stapi

Johannes Sveinsson Kjarval, 1948

oilExpressionismmythological paintingfiguresfacesmythologicallandscapewatersky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and color mixing to create mood and texture. It also encourages exploration of non-realistic color palettes and stylized representation.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and placement of the figures and landscape elements.
step 02
Block in the background sky and water with thin washes of color, focusing on the overall tone.
step 03
Start layering the figures' faces and hair, building up the dark and light areas with short, expressive brushstrokes.
step 04
Add the clothing and body shapes, using a mix of warm and cool colors to create depth and form.
step 05
Define the details of the faces, paying attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Refine the landscape elements, adding texture and detail to the water and sky.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall contrast and create a sense of depth.
step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or brushwork.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber

secondary · titanium white · ivory black

Mix ultramarine with burnt umber and white to create the various shades of gray and blue for the faces. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber for the warmer tones in the clothing and hair. White is used to lighten and create highlights.

techniques