plate no. 6196

Venice Girl (Putana)

Nicolae Tonitza, 1926

oilPost-Impressionismportraitportraitwomanfigurehairfaceclothing

some experience helpful

This painting is a good exercise in capturing likeness and understanding subtle shifts in skin tones. Students can also practice simplifying forms and using visible brushstrokes to create texture.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the face and hair.
step 02
Block in the background color with a thin layer of paint.
step 03
Establish the main areas of light and shadow on the face using a limited palette.
step 04
Mix and apply the skin tones, paying attention to subtle color variations.
step 05
Paint the hair, using dark tones and visible brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Add details to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Paint the clothing, simplifying the forms and using a limited palette.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values as needed.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · titanium white · ivory black · cadmium red light

secondary · viridian green · yellow ochre

Mix skin tones by combining burnt sienna, titanium white, and a touch of cadmium red light. Use ivory black to darken values and viridian green with yellow ochre to create the green of the dress.

techniques