plate no. 5358
Alexander Calder
Samuel Morse, 1820
some experience helpful
This painting offers practice in portraiture, focusing on subtle skin tone variations and rendering of fabric textures. Students will develop skills in blending and creating realistic form through value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure on the canvas.
- step 02
Establish the background with broad, blended strokes of blue, gray, and red.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of the face, hair, and clothing with base colors.
- step 04
Begin layering and blending skin tones, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
- step 05
Refine the details of the face, including eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 06
Paint the clothing, focusing on the folds and textures of the fabric.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition and details.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ivory black · burnt umber · cadmium red
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre
Skin tones are achieved by mixing white, red, umber, and a touch of yellow ochre. The background is a blend of blue, gray (black and white), and red.
techniques
- ·blending
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·value studies
- ·portraiture
common pitfalls
- →over-blending skin tones
- →incorrect proportions
- →muddy colors
- →neglecting subtle value changes
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·painting easel
- ·mahl stick
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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