plate no. 0715

The straw hat

Nikolaos Lytras, 1925

oil, canvasExpressionismportraitportraitfigurehatfieldbuildingsky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing for skin tones, and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in simplifying a background into abstract shapes and colors.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes: the figure, hat, and background elements.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the yellow field, the white wall, and the blue-gray shirt.
step 03
Start defining the facial features, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Add details to the hat, using short, directional brushstrokes.
step 05
Refine the background, adding texture and variation to the yellow field.
step 06
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to the face and clothing.
step 08
Allow to dry and varnish if desired.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · titanium white · raw umber · ultramarine blue

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow light · ivory black

Mix skin tones using white, raw umber, burnt sienna, and a touch of blue. Achieve the yellow field by mixing yellow ochre with white and a touch of cadmium yellow light.

techniques