plate no. 8439

Tropical

Anita Malfatti, 1917

oilPost-Impressionismportraitportraitfigurefruittropicalfoliagewoman

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice color mixing to achieve skin tones and learn how to depict form using visible brushstrokes. It will also develop skills in creating a balanced composition with a clear focal point.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the figure, the fruit arrangement, and the background foliage.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for the background, figure, and fruit using thin washes.
step 03
Start building up the skin tones with layers of color, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 04
Add details to the clothing, using short, visible brushstrokes to create texture.
step 05
Develop the fruit arrangement, focusing on the shapes and colors of each fruit.
step 06
Refine the background foliage, using varying shades of green and yellow to create depth.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to the entire painting.
step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or value.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · viridian · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Mix skin tones by blending yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and titanium white. Use viridian and cadmium yellow to create the greens for the foliage. Add alizarin crimson to create shadows and depth.

techniques