plate no. 9810

French Cardinal

Jindrich Styrsky, 1941

collageSurrealismsymbolic paintingfigurecandlehatportraitreligioussurreal

some experience helpful

Recreating this collage-like painting will help students understand value relationships in grayscale and how to create a focal point through contrast. It also provides practice in rendering fabric and metallic textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to proportions and placement of the figure, candle, and hat.
step 02
Establish the background with a dark, even tone.
step 03
Begin blocking in the main values for the figure's face and drapery, focusing on the light and shadow patterns.
step 04
Develop the candle and candlestick, carefully rendering the metallic sheen and reflected light.
step 05
Paint the hat, paying attention to the details of the design and the way light interacts with the surface.
step 06
Refine the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth, using subtle value changes.
step 07
Add highlights to the drapery to create a sense of depth and volume.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition, ensuring that the focal point is clear and the values are balanced.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · cadmium red light

secondary · raw umber · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of gray by combining ivory black and titanium white in different ratios. Use raw umber to create warmer grays and shadows. Mix cadmium red light with yellow ochre to create the hat's color.

techniques