plate no. 7647
Kenneth Batelle
Abdul Mati Klarwein, 1962
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as rendering complex patterns and textures in the textile backdrop.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 30 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions of the figure and the placement of the textile backdrop.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color, starting with the background cityscape and then moving to the figure's clothing and skin tones.
- step 03
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the subtle variations in color and value to create a realistic likeness.
- step 04
Begin adding details to the textile backdrop, working from the larger shapes to the smaller patterns and embellishments.
- step 05
Develop the textures of the chair and the figure's clothing, using a variety of brushstrokes to create depth and dimension.
- step 06
Adjust the overall lighting and contrast to create a sense of atmosphere and mood.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
- step 08
Varnish the painting to protect it and enhance the colors.
color palette
primary · ivory black · yellow ochre · cadmium red · cerulean blue
secondary · burnt umber · raw sienna · cadmium yellow
Achieve skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, cadmium red, and ivory black with small amounts of cerulean blue for cooler tones. The textile pattern requires careful mixing of secondary colors to achieve the intricate details.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·pattern rendering
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Inaccurate proportions in the figure can detract from the overall likeness.
- →Overworking the details in the textile backdrop can make the painting appear cluttered.
- →Failing to establish a strong sense of light and shadow can flatten the image.
- →Inconsistent brushstrokes can create a disjointed effect.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·cerulean blue oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retouch varnish
- ·painting medium
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-tooth canvas will provide a good surface for both detail and texture.
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