plate no. 9980
Alfred Illingworth
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
- step 03
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
- step 04
Develop the details of the beard, using short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 05
Add details to the clothing and desk, maintaining a sense of depth.
- step 06
Soften edges and blend colors to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 07
Add final highlights and details to create a focal point.
- step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · burnt sienna
secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Mix blacks and browns with blues and reds to avoid a flat, chalky appearance. Use white sparingly to maintain depth.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·value studies
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Creating a flat, lifeless image
- →Incorrect proportions
- →Muddy colors
- →Ignoring the background
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a toned ground to simplify the initial blocking-in stage.
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