plate no. 5273
Young woman with hat
Koloman Moser, 1913
some experience helpful
This painting provides practice in capturing a likeness using simplified forms and a limited color palette, focusing on tonal values to create depth and dimension. Students will also learn to create texture with visible 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 of the head, hat, and shoulders, paying attention to proportions.
- step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of ochre and light blue.
- step 03
Establish the main shadow areas on the face and neck with a darker mix of yellow ochre and burnt umber.
- step 04
Apply the base skin tone using a mix of yellow ochre, white, and a touch of red.
- step 05
Paint the hat with a mix of dark green and black, varying the tones to suggest form.
- step 06
Add the red and white stripes of the clothing, using thick brushstrokes.
- step 07
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the subtle shifts in value.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to the face, hat, and clothing.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · dark green
secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue
Skin tones are achieved by mixing yellow ochre, white, and small amounts of red and burnt umber. Shadows are created by adding more burnt umber to the base skin tone. The background is a mix of ochre and light blue.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·dry brush texture
- ·color mixing
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending the colors, which can result in a muddy appearance.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Getting the proportions of the face wrong.
- →Using too much detail in the early stages.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
- ·oil paints: yellow ochre, burnt umber, titanium white, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, dark green
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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