plate no. 2775

Japanese Boy

David Burliuk, 1922

oilPost-Impressionismportraitportraitfigureboychairindoorwindow

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in capturing likeness and using visible brushstrokes to create form and texture. Students can learn to simplify complex shapes and focus on essential details.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the boy, chair, and background.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for the skin, clothing, chair, and background.
step 03
Start building up layers of color, focusing on the light and shadow areas.
step 04
Use visible brushstrokes to define the forms and add texture.
step 05
Pay attention to the subtle color variations in the skin tones.
step 06
Refine the details of the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a cohesive look.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red light

Mix yellow ochre and white for the skin base, adding small amounts of burnt sienna and cadmium red for warmth. Create blues by mixing ultramarine with white and small amounts of yellow ochre to soften the color.

techniques