plate no. 9335

Two Figures

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfiguresportraitsfacesclothinghair

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms and using expressive brushstrokes to create texture and movement. It also encourages experimentation with color and abstracting facial features.

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 two figures.
step 02
Block in the background with a light blue wash.
step 03
Define the larger areas of color on the figures, such as the red and yellow clothing.
step 04
Add darker tones to create shadows and depth.
step 05
Refine the facial features, focusing on the simplified shapes and lines.
step 06
Use bold brushstrokes to add texture and movement to the hair and clothing.
step 07
Add details to the background, such as the suggestion of a window or railing.
step 08
Adjust colors and values as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · light blue · red · yellow · white

secondary · green · brown · purple

Mix light blue by combining white with a touch of blue. Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, and a small amount of yellow. Create shadows by adding brown or purple to existing colors.

techniques

·blocking in
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·color mixing
·simplification of form

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
→Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
→Failing to simplify the forms and ending up with a cluttered composition.
→Not paying attention to the proportions of the figures.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes
·flat brushes
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
·rags

optional

·medium gloss
·easel
·sketchbook

Use a medium-sized canvas (e.g., 16x20 inches) to allow for expressive brushstrokes. Acrylic paints are a good option for beginners due to their fast drying time.

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