plate no. 3881

Woman in Profile

Richard Diebenkorn, 1958

oil, canvasExpressionismportraitfigureinteriorwindowlandscapetablechair

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to convey form and light. It also provides practice in color mixing to achieve subtle variations in tone.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the large shapes of the figure, window, and landscape.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, starting with the sky and landscape.
step 03
Establish the darks of the figure and window frame, paying attention to the shapes of the shadows.
step 04
Develop the mid-tones and highlights in the figure and interior, using thicker paint and visible brushstrokes.
step 05
Add details to the landscape, simplifying the forms and focusing on the overall color harmony.
step 06
Refine the edges and shapes of the figure and window frame, creating a sense of depth and dimension.
step 07
Add final touches and highlights to the painting, paying attention to the overall balance and harmony.
step 08
Allow to dry and varnish.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · viridian green · purple

Mix various shades of blue and brown with white to create the muted tones of the figure and interior. Use red and green to create the landscape colors, and yellow ochre to warm the highlights.

techniques