plate no. 5462

Cometan the Contemplator

David Young, 2019

drawingMagic Realismreligious paintingfigureportraitdeskplanetsconstellationspurple background

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in portraiture, including skin tone mixing and rendering clothing. It also offers a chance to work with a limited color palette and create a sense of depth through value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, desk, and other elements.
step 02
Establish the background with a base layer of purple, creating a gradient effect.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the figure, clothing, and desk.
step 04
Begin refining the skin tones, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, such as the suit, tie, and jewelry.
step 06
Paint the planets and constellation drawing, focusing on accurate shapes and colors.
step 07
Refine the details and add final highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 08
Varnish the painting for protection and to enhance the colors.