plate no. 5659
Family Portrait
Charles Garabedian, 1964
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing with simplified forms and color blocking techniques. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and perspective with a limited palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figures and architectural elements, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, using a limited palette of greens, blues, browns, and whites.
- step 03
Develop the values within each color block, adding highlights and shadows to create form.
- step 04
Refine the details of the figures, such as the facial features and clothing, using small brushstrokes.
- step 05
Add the checkered floor pattern, paying attention to perspective.
- step 06
Create the background landscape and sky with loose, gestural brushstrokes.
- step 07
Adjust the overall composition and color balance as needed.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights.
color palette
primary · viridian green · ultramarine blue · raw umber
secondary · titanium white · cadmium red light · yellow ochre
Mix greens by combining blue and yellow. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix browns by combining red, yellow, and blue.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·simplified form
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·limited palette
common pitfalls
- →Getting bogged down in details too early.
- →Over-blending colors.
- →Ignoring the underlying structure of the figures.
- →Incorrect perspective on the floor tiles
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
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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