
plate no. 5484
Vajda Lajos, 1935
This painting is good for practicing simplified form and limited color palettes. Students can focus on achieving a likeness with minimal detail and expressive brushwork.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head, neck, shoulders, and suit.
Block in the background with a thin layer of blue paint, allowing some texture to show through.
Mix a dark green color for the face and neck, and apply it in broad strokes.
Add the brown color for the hair, blending it slightly into the forehead.
Paint the white shirt and black suit, paying attention to the angles and shapes.
Add the red tie, using a slightly brighter red for highlights.
Refine the edges and add subtle details to the face and suit.
Allow to dry and add a thin glaze of blue to unify the background.
color palette
primary · Prussian Blue · Dark Green · Red
secondary · Titanium White · Burnt Umber
The dark green is likely a mix of Prussian Blue and Burnt Umber. The red can be lightened with white for highlights.
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · Stretched canvas
required
optional
Use a canvas with some texture to enhance the brushwork. Acrylics will dry faster, but oils allow for more blending.
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