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home·artworks·Veronica in the Rain
Veronica in the Rain by Vladimir Davidia

plate no. 7730

Veronica in the Rain

Vladimir Davidia, 2022

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigurefacedark backgroundexpressionisticred
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and color mixing to create mood and emotion. It also encourages simplification of form and focusing on essential features.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic shapes of the head, neck, and shoulders with light pencil lines.

  2. step 02

    Block in the background with dark green and black, using vertical brushstrokes.

  3. step 03

    Apply a base layer of pink and red to the face and neck, focusing on the overall shape.

  4. step 04

    Add darker values to the eye sockets, nostrils, and mouth area to create depth.

  5. step 05

    Use thicker paint and bolder brushstrokes to define the facial features and add texture.

  6. step 06

    Introduce highlights with lighter pink and yellow tones on the forehead, nose, and cheeks.

  7. step 07

    Refine the details of the hair and clothing with short, expressive brushstrokes.

  8. step 08

    Add final touches and adjust the colors as needed to achieve the desired mood.

color palette

primary · crimson red · viridian green · ivory black

secondary · titanium white · yellow ochre

Mix different shades of red by adding small amounts of black or green. Use white to create highlights and yellow ochre to warm up the skin tones.

techniques

  • ·impasto
  • ·expressive brushwork
  • ·color mixing
  • ·layering
  • ·scumbling

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality.
  • →Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
  • →Failing to establish a strong value contrast.
  • →Being too literal with the likeness and not embracing the expressive style.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
  • ·oil paints (crimson red, viridian green, ivory black, titanium white, yellow ochre)
  • ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·odorless mineral spirits
  • ·rags

optional

  • ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
  • ·varnish

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Experiment with different brush sizes and shapes to achieve a variety of textures.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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