Double Portrait by Charles Blackman

plate no. 7119

Double Portrait

Charles Blackman

oilExpressionismportraitfiguresportraitsfacesclothingbackground

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex forms into geometric shapes and use color to create mood and depth. It's also a good exercise in expressive brushwork and bold value contrasts.

technical profile

palette complexity

3

brushwork visibility

4

value contrast

4

compositional simplicity

3

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figures and background.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for the skin, clothing, and background.
step 03
Establish the light and shadow areas on the faces and bodies.
step 04
Refine the shapes and add details to the facial features.
step 05
Develop the background with loose, expressive brushstrokes.
step 06
Add highlights and subtle color variations to create depth.
step 07
Define the edges and outlines of the figures.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · sap green

Mix skin tones by combining yellow ochre, white, and small amounts of red and blue. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create the dark shadows. Mix greens and yellows for the background.

techniques

·blocking in
·dry brushing
·color mixing
·simplification of form
·expressive brushwork

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details
→getting bogged down in realism
→not simplifying shapes enough
→muddying the colors
→ignoring the value structure

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes
·flat brushes
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil (if using oils)

optional

·painting medium
·varnish

Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils will allow for more blending time.

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