plate no. 8174
Head of a Moor by Henri Regnault
Henri Regnault, 1870
some experience helpful
This painting offers practice in capturing a likeness using a limited palette and focusing on value relationships to define form. Students will also learn to create texture with visible brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head and shoulders.
- step 02
Establish the background color with broad strokes of yellow and ochre.
- step 03
Block in the darkest values of the hair, beard, and shadows on the face.
- step 04
Begin adding mid-tones to the face, blending to create smooth transitions.
- step 05
Introduce the red of the clothing, paying attention to folds and highlights.
- step 06
Refine the facial features, focusing on the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 07
Add highlights to the face, hair, and clothing to create depth.
- step 08
Adjust values and details as needed to achieve a likeness.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · cadmium red · ivory black
secondary · raw sienna · titanium white
Mix various shades of brown and black by combining burnt umber, ivory black, and a touch of red. Use white to lighten these mixtures for highlights. Mix red with burnt umber for deeper shadows in the clothing.
techniques
- ·alla prima
- ·value study
- ·dry brushing
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overblending, which can flatten the image.
- →Getting the proportions of the face wrong.
- →Using too much white, which can make the colors look chalky.
- →Ignoring the subtle value changes in the skin.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
A toned canvas (e.g., with a thin wash of burnt umber) can be helpful.
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