plate no. 1745

Franz Hillinger

Gazmend Freitag, 2019

pencil, paperContemporary Realismportraitportraitmanglassesbow tiefigureface

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portrait sketching, including proportion, shading, and capturing likeness. It also provides practice in using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive artwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, shoulders, and facial features.
step 02
Refine the sketch, paying attention to the angles and curves of the face and the placement of features.
step 03
Add details like the glasses, bow tie, and hair, focusing on accurate representation.
step 04
Apply a light wash of diluted burnt sienna to the background and select areas of the face for warmth.
step 05
Begin shading with a pencil, building up layers of tone to create depth and form.
step 06
Use hatching and cross-hatching techniques to create texture and define the contours of the face.
step 07
Add darker values to the hair, glasses, and bow tie to create contrast and visual interest.
step 08
Refine the details and make any necessary adjustments to the proportions and shading.

color palette

primary · graphite · burnt sienna

secondary · white (paper)

Dilute burnt sienna with water to create a light wash for the background and skin tones. Use varying pencil pressure to achieve different shades of gray.

techniques

·hatching
·cross-hatching
·tonal shading
·dry brush
·washes

common pitfalls

→Inaccurate proportions can significantly alter the likeness of the subject.
→Overworking the shading can result in a muddy or flat appearance.
→Neglecting the background can make the portrait feel unfinished.
→Not paying attention to the direction of light can lead to inconsistent shading.