plate no. 6180

Head and Shoulders of a Bearded Man

Francesco de' Rossi (Francesco Salviati), "Cecchino", 1549

chalkMannerism (Late Renaissance)portraitportraitmanbeardhairclothinghead

some experience helpful

This drawing provides a great opportunity to practice rendering form through subtle value changes and hatching techniques. Students can develop their understanding of anatomy and how light interacts with complex surfaces like hair and fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the basic shapes of the head, shoulders, and hair.
step 02
Establish the main light source and map out the areas of light and shadow.
step 03
Begin building up the values with light, even strokes of the chalk, focusing on the mid-tones.
step 04
Gradually darken the shadows, using cross-hatching to create depth and form.
step 05
Add details to the face, paying attention to the subtle contours and wrinkles.
step 06
Refine the hair and beard, using a variety of strokes to create texture and volume.
step 07
Add the details of the clothing, paying attention to the folds and drapery.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and details, ensuring a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · black chalk · white chalk

secondary · sepia

Vary pressure and layering of chalk to achieve a full range of values from light grays to deep blacks. Use sepia for subtle warm tones.

techniques

·hatching
·cross-hatching
·blending
·value gradation
·contour drawing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the drawing and losing the freshness of the initial sketch.
→Creating overly harsh lines and neglecting the subtle value changes.
→Failing to accurately capture the proportions and anatomy of the face.
→Not varying the pressure of the chalk enough to create a full range of values.

materials

surface · toned paper

required

·white chalk
·black chalk
·toned paper
·kneaded eraser
·drawing board
·fixative spray

optional

·sepia chalk
·tortillon
·chamois cloth

Choose a toned paper with a slightly rough texture to allow the chalk to adhere well. Experiment with different types of chalk to find the ones that work best for you.

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