plate no. 3321

Charlie Ervine

Andrew Wyeth, 1937

oilRegionalismportraitportraitmanhouseskygrassbuilding

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective and creating depth through color and value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure and the house, paying attention to proportions and perspective.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, starting with the sky and the background.
step 03
Begin to refine the details of the house, including the windows, roof, and siding.
step 04
Focus on the figure, building up the skin tones with layers of color and value.
step 05
Add details to the figure's clothing and features, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 06
Refine the foreground, adding details to the grass and other vegetation.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to the entire painting.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna · ivory black

Mix various shades of blue and white for the sky. Use burnt umber and white with touches of yellow ochre and raw sienna for the house and landscape. Create skin tones by mixing burnt umber, white, and small amounts of yellow ochre and red.

techniques