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home·artworks·Tukaattityttö
Tukaattityttö by Sallinen Tyko

plate no. 5704

Tukaattityttö

Sallinen Tyko, 1914

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigurewomandresscollarface
some experience helpful

This painting provides a good opportunity to practice expressive brushstrokes and capturing likeness with simplified forms. Students can learn to mix skin tones and create depth using value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, focusing on proportions and placement on the canvas.

  2. step 02

    Block in the background with broad strokes of blue, varying the shades slightly.

  3. step 03

    Establish the dark areas of the dress and hair with a mix of dark blue, black, and purple.

  4. step 04

    Mix skin tones using white, red, yellow, and a touch of blue, and apply to the face and neck, paying attention to highlights and shadows.

  5. step 05

    Define the collar with white, adding subtle shadows to give it form.

  6. step 06

    Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using small, deliberate brushstrokes.

  7. step 07

    Refine the edges and add final touches to the hair and clothing.

  8. step 08

    Step back and assess the overall balance and make any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ivory black · yellow ochre · dioxazine purple

Mix skin tones by combining white, red, yellow, and a touch of blue. Achieve darker blues by adding black or purple to ultramarine blue.

techniques

  • ·expressive brushstrokes
  • ·color mixing
  • ·blocking in
  • ·scumbling
  • ·impasto

common pitfalls

  • →overworking the details
  • →muddying the colors
  • →losing the overall form
  • →inaccurate proportions

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·ultramarine blue oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·cadmium red oil paint
  • ·ivory black oil paint
  • ·yellow ochre oil paint
  • ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
  • ·palette

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine

Use a medium-sized canvas to allow for expressive brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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