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home·artworks·Head of Pasquin
Head of Pasquin by Honore Daumier

plate no. 4616

Head of Pasquin

Honore Daumier, 1863

oil, panelRealismportraitportraitfigureheaddark backgroundclothingshadows
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in value painting, focusing on subtle shifts in tone to create form, and in capturing likeness through careful observation of light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Prepare the canvas with a dark, neutral ground (e.g., burnt umber wash).

  2. step 02

    Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head and shoulders.

  3. step 03

    Establish the darkest areas of the painting with a thin layer of dark brown or black.

  4. step 04

    Begin building up the highlights using a mix of white and a touch of yellow ochre or raw sienna.

  5. step 05

    Gradually blend the highlights into the shadows, paying close attention to the subtle transitions in value.

  6. step 06

    Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using small, controlled brushstrokes.

  7. step 07

    Refine the edges of the figure and the background to create a sense of depth.

  8. step 08

    Add final touches and highlights to emphasize the form and texture.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · burnt umber

secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna · cadmium red light

Mix white with small amounts of yellow ochre or raw sienna to create the highlights. Use burnt umber and black for the shadows. A touch of red can be added to the cheeks and clothing for warmth.

techniques

  • ·chiaroscuro
  • ·underpainting
  • ·dry brushing
  • ·blending
  • ·value study

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the painting and losing the loose, expressive brushstrokes.
  • →Failing to establish a strong value structure early on.
  • →Using too much white and creating a chalky effect.
  • →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the shadows and highlights.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·Stretched canvas (12x16 or similar)
  • ·Oil paints (ivory black, titanium white, burnt umber, yellow ochre, raw sienna, cadmium red light)
  • ·Palette
  • ·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
  • ·Odorless mineral spirits
  • ·Linseed oil
  • ·Palette knife

optional

  • ·medium gloss
  • ·painting easel
  • ·mahl stick

A toned canvas will help establish the dark values quickly. Use a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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