plate no. 8779
Untitled
Mario Prassinos, 1946
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest. It also encourages experimentation with color and unconventional portraiture.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, background, and wall, focusing on proportions and composition.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: black for the dress, green for the foliage, pink/white for the skin tones, and red/brown for the wall.
- step 03
Begin adding details to the face, using distinct brushstrokes to define the features.
- step 04
Develop the background foliage with varied greens and yellows, using short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 05
Add texture to the wall using reds, browns, and whites, creating a brick-like pattern.
- step 06
Refine the figure's form, paying attention to the highlights and shadows on the skin and dress.
- step 07
Add final details and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.
- step 08
Let dry and varnish.
color palette
primary · black · white · green · red
secondary · pink · brown · yellow · grey
Mix various shades of green by combining green with yellow and white. Create skin tones by mixing white with small amounts of red, pink, and brown. Achieve the wall color by mixing red and brown with touches of white.
techniques
- ·Impasto
- ·Broken color
- ·Simplification of form
- ·Expressive brushwork
- ·Color blocking
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the spontaneity of the brushstrokes.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
- →Failing to capture the unique proportions and features of the figure.
- →Not varying the brushstrokes enough to create texture and visual interest.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·Acrylic or oil paints (black, white, green, red, pink, brown, yellow)
- ·Assorted brushes (flat and round)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Easel
- ·Rags
Use heavy body acrylics or oil paints to achieve the impasto effect. Consider using a palette knife for applying paint in certain areas.
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