plate no. 8551

Woman with Turban

Marie Laurencin, 1941

oilExpressionismportraitportraitwomanturbanfigureclothingdoll

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying forms and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive portrait. It also encourages experimentation with visible brushstrokes to add texture and character.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the head, shoulders, and turban, focusing on proportions.
step 02
Block in the background with a light, muted green-gray color.
step 03
Establish the main areas of light and shadow on the face using a light pinkish-white and a slightly darker gray-pink.
step 04
Paint the turban with broad strokes of yellow, red, and blue, blending them slightly.
step 05
Add the details of the eyes, nose, and mouth using small, precise brushstrokes.
step 06
Paint the clothing with simplified shapes of blue and white, suggesting folds and textures.
step 07
Add the necklace with small, round shapes of white.
step 08
Refine the edges and add any final details, such as the doll.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow light · alizarin crimson

secondary · raw umber · ivory black

Mix pinks by combining white with small amounts of alizarin crimson. Create grays by mixing ultramarine blue, raw umber, and white. Muted greens can be achieved by mixing yellow and blue with a touch of raw umber.

techniques