plate no. 0491

Untitled (The Artist and Woman Seated)

Beauford Delaney, 1940

oilExpressionismself-portraitfiguresinteriorcouchportraitpaintingroom

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and color mixing to create mood and form. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and colors.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the scene, focusing on the placement of the figures and major objects.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color with thin washes, establishing the overall color scheme.
step 03
Begin building up layers of paint, using thicker brushstrokes to define forms and add texture.
step 04
Mix colors directly on the canvas to create a sense of spontaneity and vibrancy.
step 05
Pay attention to the direction of the brushstrokes to convey the form and movement of the subjects.
step 06
Add details and highlights to create depth and interest.
step 07
Refine the composition and color relationships, adjusting values and hues as needed.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry and then add a final layer of varnish for protection and to enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · sap green · cadmium red light · cerulean blue

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Browns and grays can be achieved by mixing complementary colors.

techniques