plate no. 9535
An half-naked man
Francesco Hayez, 1812
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice figure drawing, including anatomy and shading, as well as drapery rendering and creating a sense of depth through value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the figure's pose and proportions.
- step 02
Establish the darkest and lightest areas to define the value range.
- step 03
Block in the background with broad strokes, focusing on creating depth.
- step 04
Begin shading the figure, paying attention to the light source and anatomical forms.
- step 05
Render the drapery folds, using varying values to create a sense of volume.
- step 06
Refine the facial features, focusing on accurate proportions and subtle shading.
- step 07
Add details to the hair and any accessories.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and edges to create a cohesive composition.
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · payne's gray · raw umber
Mix shades of gray by varying the ratios of black and white. Use raw umber to create warmer, earthier tones for the background and shadows.
techniques
- ·value shading
- ·blending
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·figure drawing
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions of the figure.
- →Overblending, resulting in a lack of definition.
- →Ignoring the light source, leading to inconsistent shading.
- →Neglecting the subtle value changes in the drapery.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·mineral spirits
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a smooth canvas to facilitate blending. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a mid-tone value.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
related artworks
Romantic Landscape
Karl Lessing
Self-portrait with his brother Francesco
Giuseppe Tominz
Oenone Refuse de Secourir Pâris au Siège de Troie
Léon Cogniet
Duke of Alba
Francisco Goya
Blick Aus Dem Wald Ins Tal
Andreas Achenbach
Young Girl Fixing Her Hair
Sophie Gengembre Anderson
The Plough Inn
William Shayer
Hudson River Landscape
Johann Hermann Carmiencke