plate no. 5896

Woman with Hat

Jankel Adler, 1940

oil, boardCubismportraitportraitwomanhatfacecubismabstract

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in abstracting facial features and using a limited color palette to create depth and form. It also provides practice in layering colors and creating texture with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head, hat, and facial features using a pencil.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: the blue of the face, the dark background, and the browns/tans of the hat and outlines.
step 03
Start layering in darker and lighter values within each color area to create dimension.
step 04
Add the small details like the red and pink accents in the hat and face.
step 05
Define the outlines and edges of the shapes with darker browns and blacks.
step 06
Use dry brush technique to add texture, especially in the background and hat.
step 07
Refine the shapes and colors, paying attention to the overall balance of the composition.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Burnt Umber · Titanium White

secondary · Cadmium Red · Yellow Ochre · Dioxazine Purple

Mix Prussian Blue with Burnt Umber to create the dark background. Use white to lighten the blue for the face. Mix Burnt Umber with Yellow Ochre and white for the hat's lighter tones. Add a touch of red to the brown for warmer shadows.

techniques