plate no. 4655

Dr. Haustein

Christian Schad, 1928

oil, canvasMagic Realismportraitportraitfigureshadowmanclothingtie

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and subtle value gradations to create form. It also offers practice in rendering realistic textures and creating a sense of depth through careful observation of light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch of the figure and the shadow on the canvas, focusing on accurate proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and the figure's clothing.
step 03
Begin to refine the skin tones, using thin layers of paint and subtle color variations to create a realistic effect.
step 04
Pay close attention to the highlights and shadows on the face and hands, using these to define the form.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, such as the collar, tie, and lapel, using a small brush.
step 06
Carefully render the shadow, paying attention to its shape and value.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, making adjustments to the colors and values as needed.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red light

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining ivory black, raw umber, and titanium white. Use small amounts of yellow ochre and burnt sienna to warm up the skin tones. Add tiny touches of cadmium red light to the cheeks and lips for a healthy glow.

techniques