plate no. 9033
Woman on Porch
Richard Diebenkorn, 1958
some experience helpful
This painting provides an opportunity to practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to convey form and texture. Students can learn to create depth through color and value variations rather than precise detail.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 7 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the composition: the figure, the porch, and the landscape elements.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, focusing on the overall value relationships.
- step 03
Develop the sky and background with broad, horizontal brushstrokes.
- step 04
Refine the figure's form and the chair with more defined brushstrokes, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 05
Add details to the landscape, such as the trees and building, using simplified shapes and colors.
- step 06
Adjust the color and value relationships to create depth and atmosphere.
- step 07
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the painting's overall impact.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · violet · sap green
Achieve the various blues by mixing ultramarine with white and a touch of violet. The orange tones are created by mixing burnt sienna and cadmium yellow. Use white to lighten values and create subtle color variations.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·expressive brushstrokes
- ·color mixing
- ·simplification of form
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Getting lost in details before establishing the overall composition.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (flat and round)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the visibility of the brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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