plate no. 6736

Charlie Parker

Beauford Delaney, 1968

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigurebirdyellowmusical instrumentexpressionism

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors, creating texture with visible brushstrokes, and understanding how to use color to create mood and expression. It also provides practice in portraiture and representing complex skin tones.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, bird, and musical instrument on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color with thin washes, starting with the background and larger shapes.
step 03
Begin layering colors in the skin tones, using a variety of blues, greens, and browns to create depth and shadow.
step 04
Add the yellow tones of the hat and shirt, building up layers of color and texture.
step 05
Define the features of the face, paying attention to the highlights and shadows.
step 06
Paint the bird, using similar techniques of layering and blending colors.
step 07
Add details to the musical instrument, focusing on the shape and form.
step 08
Refine the brushwork and add final touches to create the desired texture and expression.

color palette

primary · yellow · blue · red · white

secondary · green · brown · orange

Achieve the skin tones by mixing blues, greens, browns, and reds with white. Use yellow and white to create the various shades of yellow. Mix red and white for the musical instrument.

techniques