Portrait as Geography

Recreating colors used in a painting by a master artist is a fulfilling way to learn to mix original color palettes. I used a work by Alexej Jawlensky to explore this process.

Girl With Peonies by Alexej Jawlensky

Created in 1945, Girl with Peonies is a vibrant portrait of a woman. The style is Fauvism, which emphasized painterly qualities and powerful color over representational imagery.

After carefully reviewing the artwork, I identified 12 colors in different areas of the image. The sketchbook page below is a record of the colors I used to mix the palette.

The most prominent color is red. I found it on the jacket and hat. After some experimentation, I blended the red with varying percentages of cadmium red, ultramarine blue, cadmium yellow light and white.

The second most widely used color is green in the background. I blended cerulean blue, cadmium yellow light and white to achieve the unique hue.

Girl With Peonies color palette recorded in my sketchbook

All the color exploration inspired me to create a new artwork. I painted an abstract landscape, Portrait as Geography, using the same palette and geometric shapes that hint at volume and form.

Portrait as Geography by Marlene Sinicki

All art is communication. I’m still relishing the marvelous tête-à-tête Girl with Peonies inspired.