plate no. 7419

Dr. Nelson Kiang

oil, canvasContemporary Realismportraitportraitfigurebooksbookshelfmanglasses

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as creating depth and texture through layering and glazing techniques.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a detailed line drawing of the subject, paying close attention to proportions and perspective.
step 02
Establish the basic values and shadows using a limited palette of earth tones.
step 03
Begin layering in the local colors of the skin, clothing, and background, working from dark to light.
step 04
Refine the skin tones by blending and glazing, adding subtle variations in color and value.
step 05
Add details to the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth, paying close attention to the highlights and shadows.
step 06
Paint the books and bookshelf, focusing on creating a sense of depth and texture.
step 07
Add the final details, such as the glasses and the pin on the shirt.
step 08
Apply a final glaze to unify the painting and enhance the colors.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · sap green

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of red. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create a range of grays for the bookshelf.

techniques