plate no. 0629

Tora Vega Holmström

Maria Blanchard, 1921

oilCubismportraitportraitfigurewomanclothingglassesreading

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing, and expressive brushwork. It also provides practice in capturing a likeness with simplified forms.

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 and background.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: red for the dress, dark blue for the background, and flesh tones for the face and hands.
step 03
Start refining the shapes and adding details, focusing on the facial features and the glasses.
step 04
Build up layers of paint to create depth and texture, using visible brushstrokes.
step 05
Mix subtle variations of color to add interest to the skin tones and clothing.
step 06
Pay attention to the light and shadow to create form.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · violet

Mix red with white to create lighter shades for the dress. Use blue and umber for the dark background. Mix yellow ochre, red, and white for the skin tones, adding a touch of green for the shadows.

techniques