plate no. 9041
Boy
Zhang Xiaogang, 2005
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in subtle value transitions and portrait proportions. It also provides practice in creating a smooth, blended surface.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the face and hand.
- step 02
Establish the background tone with a mid-gray wash.
- step 03
Block in the darkest values, focusing on the eyes and shadows.
- step 04
Begin layering lighter values to define the planes of the face.
- step 05
Blend the value transitions to create a smooth, porcelain-like skin texture.
- step 06
Refine the details of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 07
Add subtle highlights to the face and hand.
- step 08
Adjust the overall values to achieve the desired contrast.
color palette
primary · gray · white · black
secondary · light blue-gray
Achieve the various shades of gray by mixing white and black in different proportions. Add a touch of blue to the gray for the background.
techniques
- ·value blending
- ·portrait drawing
- ·monochromatic painting
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the blending, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Incorrect proportions of the facial features.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Ignoring subtle shifts in value on the face.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Graphite pencils
- ·White acrylic paint
- ·Black acrylic paint
- ·Gray acrylic paint
- ·Round brush
- ·Flat brush
- ·Palette
optional
- ·Blending stumps
- ·Retarder medium
- ·Palette knife
Use high-quality acrylic paints for best results. A smooth canvas surface will aid in blending.
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