plate no. 9164
George B. Cox
some experience helpful
Recreating this portrait will help students develop skills in portrait proportions, rendering form with subtle value changes, and creating realistic skin tones. It will also provide practice in painting clothing and details like the bow tie and chain.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
5
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic proportions of the head and shoulders, paying attention to the placement of features.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of color: skin, hair, suit, and background.
- step 04
Refine the skin tones by layering and blending different shades of flesh color.
- step 05
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, focusing on accurate shapes and values.
- step 06
Paint the suit and bow tie, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
- step 07
Refine the background, ensuring it complements the figure without distracting from it.
- step 08
Add final details, such as the hair highlights and the chain.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red light
secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Mix skin tones by blending white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. Use black and umber for the suit, adding white for highlights. The background is a mix of umber, black, and a touch of blue.
techniques
- ·portrait sketching
- ·value blocking
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions wrong in the initial sketch.
- →Over-blending the skin tones, resulting in a flat, lifeless appearance.
- →Making the values too uniform, lacking contrast and depth.
- →Neglecting the details, which can add realism and character.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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