plate no. 1954
Dylan Thomas
Augustus John, 1938
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, shoulders, and background.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color: skin, hair, background, and clothing, using thin washes.
- step 03
Start building up layers of paint, focusing on the shadows and highlights to define the form.
- step 04
Mix subtle variations of skin tones using red, yellow, blue, and white.
- step 05
Use visible brushstrokes to create texture and movement, especially in the hair and clothing.
- step 06
Refine the details of the face, paying attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and realism.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · titanium white · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · cadmium red
secondary · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson
Mix skin tones by combining white, red, yellow, and a touch of blue or umber. Use blue and red to create the background colors. Browns are achieved by mixing umber with other colors.
techniques
- ·alla prima
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
- ·portraiture
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Getting the proportions of the face wrong.
- →Using colors that are too saturated or unnatural.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and volume.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·mahl stick
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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