plate no. 2792
Grandmother's Friend
Georges Braque, 1900
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and using a limited palette to create subtle variations in skin tone. It also provides practice in creating depth and form through layering and blending.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic proportions and pose of the figure on the canvas using a light pencil.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the background and clothing with dark tones.
- step 03
Begin layering in the skin tones, starting with a base layer of muted browns and pinks.
- step 04
Gradually build up the highlights and shadows on the face, paying close attention to the planes of the face.
- step 05
Add details such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, refining the likeness.
- step 06
Use short, broken brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest in the clothing and background.
- step 07
Adjust the values and colors as needed to create a sense of depth and realism.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · ivory black
secondary · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue
Achieve skin tones by mixing raw sienna, burnt umber, titanium white, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Use ultramarine blue to cool down shadows and create depth.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·broken brushstrokes
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending the skin tones, resulting in a flat and lifeless appearance.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure early on.
- →Getting bogged down in details before establishing the overall form.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing them.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in skin tone.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·alizarin crimson oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·medium gloss
Use a medium-grit canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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