plate no. 0216
He Faces the World Without You
Haddon Sundblom, 1927
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting helps students develop skills in portraiture, particularly capturing subtle expressions and rendering realistic skin tones. It also provides practice in depicting light and shadow to create depth and form.
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 composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the doorway.
- step 02
Establish the background elements like the chalkboard and the suggestion of the classroom.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the figure, paying attention to the overall value structure.
- step 04
Begin refining the facial features, focusing on capturing the boy's expression.
- step 05
Add details to the clothing and accessories, such as the tie, jacket, and chalkboard.
- step 06
Develop the light and shadow on the figure and the surrounding environment.
- step 07
Refine the brushwork, using both smooth and textured strokes to create visual interest.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · ivory black · burnt umber · cadmium red light · titanium white
secondary · viridian · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Mix skin tones using white, red, and a touch of umber. Use viridian and yellow ochre to achieve the green of the chalkboard. Create shadows with a mix of umber and blue.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·alla prima
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the face, which can lead to a stiff or unnatural appearance.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure, which can result in a flat or muddy painting.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the skin tones, which can make the figure look lifeless.
- →Getting the proportions of the figure wrong, which can detract from the overall realism.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for optimal texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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