plate no. 5497

John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Abdul Mati Klarwein, 1964

oilMagic Realismportraitportraitfigureskycloudssuitman

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in value studies, portraiture, and blending techniques to create smooth transitions. It also provides practice in capturing atmospheric perspective and creating depth through tonal variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the basic shapes of the figure and the cloud formations.
step 02
Establish the darkest and lightest values to define the overall tonal range.
step 03
Begin blocking in the background clouds with broad strokes, focusing on the swirling patterns.
step 04
Start building up the form of the figure, paying attention to the subtle gradations of light and shadow.
step 05
Refine the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth, using smaller brushes.
step 06
Work on the details of the suit, capturing the folds and textures of the fabric.
step 07
Blend the edges of the clouds and the figure to create a sense of atmosphere and depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall contrast and realism.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · payne's gray · raw umber

Achieve various shades of gray by mixing black and white in different proportions. Use Payne's gray and raw umber to create subtle variations in the clouds and shadows.

techniques