plate no. 4973
Head Study of Maria Zambaco (The Wine of Circe)
some experience helpful
This drawing helps students practice rendering form with hatching and cross-hatching, and understanding subtle value changes to create a three-dimensional effect. It also provides practice in capturing the likeness and expression of a human face.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic head shape and proportions.
- step 02
Establish the main planes of the face: forehead, cheekbones, nose, and chin.
- step 03
Begin adding the darkest values in the hair and around the edges of the head.
- step 04
Use hatching and cross-hatching to build up the values on the face, paying attention to the light source.
- step 05
Soften edges and blend values with a blending stump or finger.
- step 06
Add details to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 07
Refine the hair texture with short, directional strokes.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form.
color palette
primary · sanguine · white chalk
secondary · sepia
Vary the pressure and layering of sanguine and white chalk to achieve different values. Sepia can be used sparingly for deeper shadows.
techniques
- ·hatching
- ·cross-hatching
- ·blending
- ·value gradation
- ·rendering form
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the drawing and losing the freshness of the initial sketch.
- →Creating harsh lines instead of smooth value transitions.
- →Ignoring the underlying structure of the head and face.
- →Failing to establish a clear light source.
materials
surface · Toned paper (e.g., gray, tan, or light brown) is ideal, but white drawing paper can also be used.
required
- ·Sanguine pencil or crayon
- ·White chalk pencil or crayon
- ·Drawing paper (toned or white)
- ·Blending stump or tortillon
- ·Kneaded eraser
- ·Pencil sharpener
optional
- ·Sepia pencil or crayon
- ·Fixative spray
Experiment with different types of drawing paper to find one that you like. A slightly textured paper will hold the chalk and crayon better.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
related artworks
Romantic Landscape
Karl Lessing
Self-portrait with his brother Francesco
Giuseppe Tominz
Oenone Refuse de Secourir Pâris au Siège de Troie
Léon Cogniet
Duke of Alba
Francisco Goya
Blick Aus Dem Wald Ins Tal
Andreas Achenbach
Young Girl Fixing Her Hair
Sophie Gengembre Anderson
The Plough Inn
William Shayer
Hudson River Landscape
Johann Hermann Carmiencke