plate no. 0182
Hermann Ernst Freund
some experience helpful
This painting provides practice in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones. Students will also learn about layering and glazing techniques to achieve subtle color transitions.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a light sketch of the figure's proportions and pose.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and values with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Begin layering skin tones, starting with mid-tones and gradually adding highlights and shadows.
- step 04
Refine the details of the face, paying attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 05
Paint the clothing, focusing on the folds and drapery of the scarf.
- step 06
Add details to the hat, capturing its texture and shape.
- step 07
Refine the background, ensuring it complements the figure.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ivory black · raw umber · cadmium red light
secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Mix skin tones by blending white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. Use black and umber to create dark shadows and subtle grays.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·glazing
- ·blending
- ·layering
- ·value study
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the skin tones, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in value and color.
- →Creating harsh lines or edges.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·assorted round and flat brushes
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to thin the paint and improve blending.
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