Woman at Table in Strong Light by Richard Diebenkorn

plate no. 4117

Woman at Table in Strong Light

Richard Diebenkorn, 1959

oil, canvasExpressionismportraitfigureportraittableinteriorcupchair

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and simplifying complex forms into basic shapes. It also encourages exploration of color relationships and creating a sense of light and shadow with a limited palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

3

brushwork visibility

4

value contrast

3

compositional simplicity

4

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, table, and background.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background.
step 03
Define the figure's form with broad strokes of color, focusing on the light and shadow.
step 04
Add details to the face and hands, using smaller brushstrokes.
step 05
Refine the shapes and colors of the table and objects on it.
step 06
Adjust the overall composition and color balance.
step 07
Add final details and highlights.
step 08
Let dry and add a varnish.

color palette

primary · red · blue · yellow · white

secondary · green · grey · orange · purple

Mix various shades of red by adding white, yellow, or blue. Create muted tones by mixing complementary colors. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques

·expressive brushwork
·color blocking
·simplification of form
·limited palette
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details
→Getting bogged down in realism
→Not simplifying the forms enough
→Using too many colors
→Ignoring the overall composition

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·oil paints
·canvas 16x20
·assorted brushes (flat and round)
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil
·turpentine

optional

·medium gloss
·easel
·rags

Use a medium-grain canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette of primary colors to simplify the mixing process.

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