plate no. 7697
Dan Harris
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including basic proportions and facial features, as well as understanding how to create depth and texture with visible brushstrokes and limited color mixing.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, table, and background elements.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas: the red background, the dark suit, the skin tones, and the table.
- step 03
Add details to the face, focusing on the eyes, nose, and mouth, using small brushstrokes.
- step 04
Develop the textures in the background and table by layering colors and using visible brushstrokes.
- step 05
Paint the patterned screen, paying attention to the alternating colors and shapes.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and form.
- step 07
Refine the details of the hands and the object on the table.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve the desired effect.
color palette
primary · red · black · white · flesh tones
secondary · green · gold · brown
Mix flesh tones using white, red, and a touch of yellow or brown. Achieve darker shades by adding black or burnt umber to the primary colors.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·portraiture
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the face.
- →Failing to capture the correct proportions of the figure.
- →Making the colors too saturated.
- →Ignoring the texture of the background.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retarder
Using a textured canvas can enhance the effect of the visible brushstrokes.
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