plate no. 1604
01. A Portrait by Anthony of His Brother, Philip 2017 by Anthony D. Padgett (after Theo by Van Gogh C.1880)
Anthony Padgett, 2017
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to create texture and depth. It also provides practice in value studies and limited color palettes.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
- step 02
Block in the darkest areas with the darkest gray mix.
- step 03
Apply the lightest gray/white tones, focusing on highlights.
- step 04
Add the mid-tone grays, blending slightly where needed.
- step 05
Use short, directional brushstrokes to define the form and create texture.
- step 06
Add small touches of red to the edges of the shapes to create visual interest.
- step 07
Refine the facial features and details, paying attention to the play of light and shadow.
- step 08
Add the signature.
color palette
primary · titanium white · lamp black · payne's gray
secondary · cadmium red light
Mix various shades of gray by combining white and black in different ratios. Add a touch of red to the gray for subtle warmth.
techniques
- ·alla prima
- ·broken color
- ·directional brushstrokes
- ·value study
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending the brushstrokes, losing the expressive texture.
- →Getting the proportions wrong in the initial sketch.
- →Using too much red, overpowering the gray tones.
- →Not simplifying the forms enough, resulting in a cluttered image.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·lamp black oil paint
- ·payne's gray oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·#2 round brush
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
A pre-toned canvas with a light gray wash can be helpful. Consider using a fast-drying medium to speed up the drying time.
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