plate no. 2987

KOMITAS

Yervand Kochar, 1946

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigurelandscapetreesbookmountain

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and expression, as well as practice blending and layering techniques to create depth and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions and placement of the figure and landscape elements.
step 02
Establish the background with thin washes of blues and grays, creating a sense of atmospheric perspective.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, paying attention to the light and shadow patterns.
step 04
Develop the facial features, focusing on capturing the likeness and expression of the subject.
step 05
Add details to the clothing and hands, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and form.
step 06
Refine the landscape elements, adding details to the mountains, trees, and figures in the background.
step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the painting and create depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to completion.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre

Achieve skin tones by mixing raw sienna, burnt umber, and titanium white, with small amounts of cadmium red for warmth. Create muted blues and greens by mixing ultramarine blue with burnt umber and yellow ochre.

techniques