plate no. 6772

Two Women

Jose Gutierrez Solana, 1933

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfigureswomeninteriorclothingportraitgenre scene

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice figure drawing with expressive line work and limited color palette. Students can learn to create depth and form using value variations and hatching techniques.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the overall composition, focusing on proportions and placement of figures.
step 02
Define the main shapes and contours of the figures with a pencil.
step 03
Apply a thin wash of diluted brown or sepia ink to establish the base tones.
step 04
Build up darker values using hatching and cross-hatching techniques with ink or watercolor.
step 05
Add subtle color washes to the skin and clothing, using diluted browns, blues, and reds.
step 06
Refine the details of the faces and clothing, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 07
Use a fine-tipped pen or brush to add sharper lines and details.
step 08
Adjust the overall values and contrast to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · ivory black

secondary · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson

Mix raw umber with black for darker tones. Use diluted blue and crimson for subtle skin and clothing tints. Burnt sienna can be used for warmer skin tones.

techniques