plate no. 2527

Heads of an old man and a youth

chalk, paperHigh Renaissanceportraitfiguresportraitsold manyouthdraperyprofile

some experience helpful

Recreating this drawing will help students develop skills in figure drawing, particularly in rendering realistic facial features and drapery using hatching and cross-hatching techniques. Students will also learn to create depth and form using subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch of the overall composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the two figures.
step 02
Refine the sketch, paying close attention to the anatomical details of the faces and the folds of the drapery.
step 03
Start adding the darkest values using cross-hatching, focusing on the areas of shadow and the contours of the figures.
step 04
Gradually build up the mid-tones using lighter hatching, blending the values to create a sense of depth and form.
step 05
Use a kneaded eraser to lift out highlights and refine the shapes of the figures.
step 06
Pay close attention to the details of the hair, using small, curved strokes to create the texture of the curls.
step 07
Add final touches and refine the values to create a cohesive and realistic drawing.

color palette

primary · red chalk · sepia ink

secondary · raw umber

Vary the pressure and layering of the chalk to achieve different values. Dilute sepia ink with water for lighter washes.

techniques

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

common pitfalls

→Overworking the drawing and losing the freshness of the initial sketch.
→Failing to accurately capture the proportions and anatomical details of the figures.
→Creating overly harsh or artificial-looking shadows.
→Not paying enough attention to the details of the hair and drapery.

materials

surface · Toned drawing paper

required

·Red chalk
·Sepia ink
·Drawing paper (toned)
·Kneaded eraser
·Pencils (HB, 2B)
·Blending stump
·Fine liner brush
·Water container

optional

·Vine charcoal
·Fixative spray
·Ruler

Choose a drawing paper with a slightly textured surface to better hold the chalk and ink. A toned paper will help to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

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