plate no. 1755

Diego Seated

Alberto Giacometti, 1948

oilExpressionismportraitfigureportraitchairseatedmanclothing

some experience helpful

This painting is great for practicing expressive brushstrokes and capturing a likeness with minimal detail. Students will learn to suggest form and texture through layering and directional strokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and chair using a thin wash of diluted paint.
step 02
Establish the background with broad, vertical strokes of gray and muted yellow.
step 03
Block in the main areas of the figure's clothing with loose, gestural strokes of green and brown.
step 04
Add the red/orange shirt, focusing on capturing the color intensity.
step 05
Refine the facial features with quick, broken lines, suggesting the planes of the face.
step 06
Use dark, linear strokes to define the edges of the figure and chair, adding depth and structure.
step 07
Introduce highlights with lighter tones of gray and yellow, focusing on areas where light would naturally fall.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · gray · green · brown · white

secondary · red-orange · yellow

Mix various shades of gray by combining white with small amounts of black, brown, and green. Achieve the red-orange by mixing red and yellow with a touch of brown to mute the intensity.

techniques