plate no. 2257

Woman with Flowers

Fernando Botero, 1976

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)portraitfigureportraitflowersdresshairsunflowers

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify forms and create a sense of volume through subtle shading and color variations, as well as how to create a repeating background pattern.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure and sunflowers, focusing on proportions.
step 02
Block in the background with a light blue, leaving space for the sunflowers.
step 03
Paint the base colors of the sunflowers, varying the yellows and browns.
step 04
Establish the basic skin tones of the figure, using light yellows and pinks.
step 05
Paint the red dress, adding shadows and highlights to create volume.
step 06
Develop the details of the face, hair, and hands, paying attention to subtle color changes.
step 07
Add details to the sunflowers, including the seeds and petals.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting colors and values as needed.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · black

Mix various shades of skin tones using white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Achieve the sunflower colors by mixing yellow ochre with burnt umber and a touch of red for the centers.

techniques