plate no. 1213
Woman with a Cat
Jankel Adler, 1944
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and understanding how to use a limited color palette to create depth and interest. It also encourages experimentation with expressive brushwork to convey texture and emotion.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the woman, cat, and other objects, focusing on their geometric forms.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas for the background, figure, and objects, using a limited palette of muted tones.
- step 03
Begin adding layers of color to build depth and dimension, paying attention to the interplay of light and shadow.
- step 04
Define the edges of the shapes with darker outlines to create a sense of separation and definition.
- step 05
Introduce small amounts of brighter colors to add visual interest and create focal points.
- step 06
Use expressive brushstrokes to add texture and character to the painting.
- step 07
Refine the details of the face and other key areas, paying attention to the artist's simplified style.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · Prussian blue · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · viridian
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white or umber. Use glazes to create depth and luminosity.
techniques
- ·geometric simplification
- ·expressive brushwork
- ·color blocking
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplified, geometric style.
- →Using too many colors and creating a chaotic composition.
- →Ignoring the importance of value contrast in creating depth.
- →Not capturing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, Prussian blue, titanium white, cadmium red, yellow ochre, viridian)
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (flat, round)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·varnish
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the brushwork. Consider using a toned ground to create a more unified color palette.
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