I'm planning to recreate this using a limited palette of primaries much like the Zorn palette. I have titanium white, ivory black, cadmium red, and primary yellow. I'll simplify it in a way that the painting will only capture the big shapes, values and color. Since I'm a beginner, I created color mixing instructions for myself: Light skin tone - Titanium White + Cadmium Red + a touch of Primary Yellow; skin in shadow - Cadmium Red + Ivory Black; muted greens (olive) - Primary Yellow + Ivory Black; Warm tones (orange) - Cadmium Red + Primary Yellow; bluish tint (cool gray) - Ivory Black + Titanium White; desaturated violets - Cadmium Red + Ivory Black; Earth tones (warm neutrals) - All four colors in various small ratios. I know it's not going to look exactly the same. I'd be happy if I can get it somewhere close to a good read.

I’m just starting out with the Zorn palette and I’m wondering—would it make more sense to use a master study like Anders Zorn’s Ols Maria instead of a photograph? Since Zorn already made the artistic decisions about light, color harmony, and simplification, I’m curious if working from his painting might help me learn faster, or if a photo reference would be better for developing my own observation skills. What do you think?

I’ve noticed some artists working directly in sketchbooks, and I’ve also asked around about using gesso board. Recently, I came across canvas paper that can also be used in sketchbooks. Using canvas might be something I’ll try once I get more comfortable. From what I’ve learned, water-mixable oils tend to absorb and dry much faster on surfaces that aren’t properly prepared, which makes them harder to work with and can take away from the benefits of using oils in the first place.