plate no. 3660

Geraldine Chaplin

Abdul Mati Klarwein, 1955

oilMagic Realismportraitportraitfigurefaceshoulderwindowclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand value relationships and how to build form using visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in capturing likeness and creating a sense of depth with limited color.

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 figure and background.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the background and clothing with a thin wash of dark gray.
step 03
Begin building up the mid-tones on the face and body, paying attention to the light source.
step 04
Use short, directional brushstrokes to define the planes of the face and create texture.
step 05
Gradually add highlights to the face, shoulders, and clothing, using lighter shades of gray.
step 06
Refine the details of the eyes, nose, and mouth, using small brushes.
step 07
Add final touches to the background and clothing, ensuring they recede behind the figure.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance of values and make any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · payne's gray · raw umber

Mix different ratios of black and white to achieve a full range of grays. Use Payne's Gray or Raw Umber to add subtle warmth or coolness to the grays.

techniques