plate no. 2049

Constant Leopold

Amedeo Modigliani, 1916

oil, canvasExpressionismportraitportraitfiguremanclothinghathands

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and expression through simplified forms and color. It's also a good exercise in understanding and applying a limited color palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, torso, and hand placement.
step 02
Block in the background with dark, muted tones, creating a sense of depth.
step 03
Apply the base color for the jacket, a muted yellow, and gradually build up highlights and shadows.
step 04
Paint the face using a limited palette of flesh tones, paying attention to the unique features and expression.
step 05
Add details to the hands, simplifying the forms but capturing the gesture.
step 06
Define the hat and buttons with dark colors, creating contrast.
step 07
Refine the edges and details, ensuring a cohesive and expressive portrait.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall impact.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

Achieve the muted yellows by mixing yellow ochre with raw umber and a touch of white. Create the background by blending ultramarine blue, raw umber, and white.

techniques

·simplified forms
·limited palette
·expressive brushwork
·color blending
·portraiture

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details
→Getting the proportions wrong
→Using too many colors
→Ignoring the overall mood and expression

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·oil paints (yellow ochre, raw umber, titanium white, ultramarine blue, burnt sienna)
·palette
·assorted brushes (flat and round)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits

optional