plate no. 5496

Gabriel García Márquez

Alejandro Cabeza, 2013

oil, canvasContemporary Realismportraitportraitmanfigureclothingface

some experience helpful

This painting provides a good exercise in capturing likeness through careful observation of values and proportions, as well as practicing expressive brushwork to create texture and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic proportions and pose of the figure lightly on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the large shapes of the face, clothing, and background with thin washes of color.
step 03
Establish the main areas of light and shadow using darker and lighter values of your base colors.
step 04
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the shapes of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, such as the collar and tie, using thicker paint and bolder brushstrokes.
step 06
Develop the background by adding subtle variations in color and texture.
step 07
Add highlights to the face and clothing to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to achieve a cohesive and realistic portrait.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium red · ivory black

Mix burnt umber and white for skin tones, adding yellow ochre for warmth and cadmium red for the cheeks and lips. Use ivory black and burnt umber for dark areas.

techniques