plate no. 5588
Woman with Braids (Yemenite)
Jean David, 1934
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms and using color to define planes and create a sense of depth. It also provides practice in capturing a likeness with expressive brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
- step 03
Refine the shapes and contours of the face, hand, and clothing.
- step 04
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using small brushstrokes.
- step 05
Develop the background with simple, geometric shapes and contrasting colors.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Refine the edges and details, paying attention to the overall composition.
- step 08
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed.
color palette
primary · pink · tan · brown · white
secondary · green · black · red
Mix various shades of pink by combining red and white, and use brown and white to create different skin tones. Achieve the green by mixing blue and yellow.
techniques
- ·blocking
- ·color mixing
- ·expressive brushwork
- ·simplification of form
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
- →Failing to simplify the forms and creating a cluttered composition.
- →Not paying attention to the value structure and creating a flat image.
- →Getting the proportions wrong in the initial sketch.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
- ·rags
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics are faster drying, while oils allow for more blending time.
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