plate no. 2395

Archimedes

oil, canvasTenebrismportraitfigureportraitbookspaperarchitectural toolsbeard

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand chiaroscuro and how to create depth using value. It also provides practice in rendering realistic skin tones and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the main shapes and composition.
step 02
Establish the dark background using a thin wash of burnt umber and black.
step 03
Block in the main areas of the figure with mid-tones, focusing on the light source.
step 04
Begin building up the highlights on the face, hands, and paper.
step 05
Refine the details of the face, paying attention to wrinkles and shadows.
step 06
Add details to the books and paper, suggesting texture and form.
step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to adjust the values and create depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna · cadmium red (small amount)

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use small amounts of yellow ochre and cadmium red to warm up the skin tones.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·glazing
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·value study

common pitfalls

→Overblending the shadows, resulting in a flat image.
→Using too much white too early, making the painting look chalky.
→Ignoring the subtle color variations in the skin tones.
→Getting lost in details before establishing the overall values.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·oil paints (burnt umber, ivory black, titanium white, yellow ochre, raw sienna, cadmium red)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife