plate no. 4673

Feliks Jasieński Przy Fortepianie

Józef Pankiewicz, 1908

oilPost-Impressionismportraitportraitmanpianoreflectiontableclothinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice capturing subtle color variations and reflections, as well as creating texture with visible brushstrokes. It also provides an opportunity to learn about portrait composition and capturing a likeness.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes: the figure, the piano, and the background elements.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in the large areas of color, focusing on the background and the piano's wood tones.
step 03
Develop the figure's face and clothing, paying attention to the subtle shifts in value and color.
step 04
Start building the piano's reflection, using thin layers of paint to create the illusion of depth and shine.
step 05
Add details to the tablecloth, using short, broken brushstrokes to suggest the fabric's texture and pattern.
step 06
Refine the background, adding details to the floral pattern and the framed artwork.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of harmony and balance.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt umber · yellow ochre · viridian

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · titanium white

Mix various shades of brown and black for the piano and figure's clothing. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix greens and reds for the background floral pattern.

techniques

·broken color
·scumbling
·glazing
·alla prima
·impasto

common pitfalls

→Overworking the reflection, resulting in a muddy or unrealistic effect.
→Failing to capture the subtle color variations in the skin tones.
→Ignoring the importance of value contrast in creating depth and form.
→Getting lost in the details of the tablecloth pattern before establishing the overall composition.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·Oil paints (ivory black, burnt umber, yellow ochre, viridian, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, titanium white)
·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Linseed oil
·Rags