plate no. 4975

Young Girl Facing Left

pastel, paperSymbolismportraitportraitfigureheadhorseabstract background

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in pastel blending and layering, as well as understanding how to create a dreamlike atmosphere through color and texture. Students will also learn how to simplify complex forms and capture the essence of a subject.

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 figure, horse, and background elements.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by applying broad strokes of pastel to the background.
step 03
Begin layering colors on the figure's face, focusing on subtle value changes to create form.
step 04
Develop the details of the horse, using contrasting colors to create visual interest.
step 05
Refine the background, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 06
Blend the pastel strokes to create a soft, dreamlike effect.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to the figure and horse.
step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · orange

secondary · white · gray · light pink

Mix blue and yellow to create greens. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix orange and blue for muted tones.

techniques

·pastel blending
·layering
·scumbling
·color mixing
·soft edges

common pitfalls

→Overblending, which can result in a muddy or flat appearance.
→Using too much pressure, which can damage the paper.
→Neglecting the background, which is essential to the overall composition.
→Failing to establish a clear focal point.

materials

surface · pastel paper

required

·assorted soft pastels
·pastel paper
·kneaded eraser
·fixative spray
·blending stumps
·paper towels
·drawing board

optional

·pastel pencils
·workable fixative
·palette knife

Choose a pastel paper with a slightly textured surface to grip the pastel. Use a light touch when applying the pastel to avoid filling the tooth of the paper too quickly.

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