plate no. 1059
A monk
Filipp Malyavin, 1896
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice capturing a likeness using expressive brushstrokes and understanding how to create depth with a limited color palette. It also offers practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, book, and background.
- step 02
Establish the darkest areas with a thin wash of black or dark brown.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
- step 04
Begin adding thicker paint and visible brushstrokes to define the form.
- step 05
Focus on capturing the light on the face and beard with lighter tones.
- step 06
Refine the details of the book and robe, using short, directional strokes.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to the composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · black · white · yellow ochre
secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber
Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining black, white, and burnt umber. Use yellow ochre and white to create the highlights on the face and beard. Add small amounts of blue to darken the shadows.
techniques
- ·alla prima
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·impasto
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Getting bogged down in details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints (black, white, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, burnt umber)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or mineral spirits
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas to allow for expressive brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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