plate no. 3482
Charles Paxton Markham
some experience helpful
This painting provides practice in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering clothing folds. It also introduces atmospheric perspective in the background.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic proportions and pose of the figure.
- step 02
Block in the large shapes of the background, figure, and clothing with diluted paint.
- step 03
Establish the main light and shadow areas on the face and clothing.
- step 04
Refine the facial features, paying attention to subtle value changes.
- step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, including folds and buttons.
- step 06
Add details to the background, suggesting the industrial landscape with soft brushstrokes.
- step 07
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · ivory black · yellow ochre
Mix browns by combining umber, sienna, and black. Use white to lighten values and blue to cool down browns for shadows.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·blocking in
- ·value study
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·blending
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early
- →Incorrect proportions of the figure
- →Muddying the colors by over-mixing
- →Ignoring the subtle value changes in the face
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·#8 filbert brush
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-grit canvas for a slightly textured surface.
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