plate no. 4837

Two girls seated in the birch forest

Paula Modersohn-Becker, 1905

oil, canvas, temperaExpressionismgenre paintingfiguresforesttreeschildrenclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying forms and using expressive brushstrokes to create texture and depth. It also encourages exploration of a limited color palette to create a cohesive mood.

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 placement of the figures and trees.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color using thin washes, starting with the background.
step 03
Build up layers of paint, focusing on the light and shadow patterns on the figures.
step 04
Use visible brushstrokes to define the forms and create texture.
step 05
Mix and apply the colors for the clothing, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
step 06
Add details to the faces, keeping them simple and expressive.
step 07
Refine the background trees, using vertical strokes to suggest their form.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · red ochre · titanium white

secondary · ivory black · cadmium red light

Mix variations of browns and ochres by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, and white. Use red ochre to add warmth to the skin tones. Darken colors with ivory black.

techniques