plate no. 6164

Head of a Man

L. S. Lowry, 1938

oilExpressionismportraitportraitmanheadscarfclothingface

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in portraiture, focusing on capturing character through expressive brushwork and color choices. Students will learn to simplify forms and emphasize key features to convey emotion.

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 of the head, shoulders, and main features (eyes, nose, mouth).
step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of blue paint.
step 03
Establish the main skin tones using a mix of white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red.
step 04
Define the darker areas of the face and clothing with browns and blacks, paying attention to the light source.
step 05
Add the red details around the eyes and nose, using a small brush.
step 06
Paint the scarf with alternating stripes of red and white, blending slightly for a softer effect.
step 07
Refine the details of the hair and facial features, adding texture with short, broken brushstrokes.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create depth.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red · ivory black

Mix skin tones by combining white, yellow ochre, and small amounts of red and brown. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create a range of dark browns and grays for the clothing and shadows.

techniques