plate no. 1227
De Profundis
Yervand Kochar, 1919
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, understanding anatomy, and using a limited palette to create depth and form. It also provides practice in blending and creating subtle value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic figure proportions and pose.
- step 02
Establish the darkest and lightest areas to define the overall value structure.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of shadow and light using a mid-tone.
- step 04
Begin blending the tones to create smooth transitions, focusing on the form of the muscles.
- step 05
Add darker values to deepen the shadows and create contrast.
- step 06
Introduce highlights to define the edges and create a sense of volume.
- step 07
Refine the details of the face and hands.
- step 08
Adjust the overall values and blending to achieve a cohesive and expressive result.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna
Achieve the skin tones by mixing burnt umber, raw umber, and white. Use black to deepen shadows and yellow ochre/raw sienna for subtle warmth in highlights.
techniques
- ·value study
- ·blending
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·figure drawing
- ·limited palette
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Incorrect proportions of the figure.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure early on.
- →Ignoring subtle shifts in value that define form.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·medium gloss
Use a canvas with a smooth surface to facilitate blending. Consider using a medium to improve the flow of the paint.
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