plate no. 1934
Vakaras Irkutske
Vytautas Kairiukstis, 1920
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice color mixing to achieve subtle skin tones and understand how to simplify forms into geometric shapes. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth using color and value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition of the figure and background.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background.
- step 03
Mix skin tones using a limited palette of earth tones and white.
- step 04
Apply the base skin tone, then add shadows and highlights to define the form.
- step 05
Refine the shapes and edges of the figure, paying attention to proportions.
- step 06
Add details to the background, such as the subtle color variations and patterns.
- step 07
Blend the edges of the shapes to create a soft, diffused effect.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth.
color palette
primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
secondary · burnt sienna · violet · turquoise
Mix skin tones by combining yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and white. Use ultramarine blue and white to create the cool background tones. Violet can be created by mixing ultramarine blue and burnt sienna.
techniques
- ·color mixing
- ·blending
- ·layering
- ·simplification of form
- ·geometric abstraction
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the skin tones and losing the subtle variations.
- →Failing to simplify the forms and creating too much detail.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Ignoring the importance of light and shadow in defining the form.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a smooth canvas to facilitate blending. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly due to faster drying times.
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