plate no. 7069

Kopf Des Kreuztragenden Mannes (das Kreuz)

Albin Egger-Lienz, 1900

oilRealismportraitportraitmanfacehatclothingfigure

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and using a limited palette to create depth and form. It will also help in understanding how to use visible brushstrokes to add texture and character.

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 head, hat, and shoulders.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the painting with a thin wash of dark brown or black.
step 03
Block in the mid-tones of the face using a mix of browns, reds, and a touch of yellow.
step 04
Add highlights to the face, focusing on the forehead, nose, and cheekbones.
step 05
Define the features of the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, with careful attention to detail.
step 06
Paint the hat and clothing using a range of dark tones, paying attention to the folds and shadows.
step 07
Refine the background with subtle variations in color and tone.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ivory black · yellow ochre

Mix burnt umber and ivory black for the darkest shadows. Use raw sienna, cadmium red, and white to create the skin tones, adjusting the ratios for highlights and shadows. Add a touch of yellow ochre to warm up the skin tones.

techniques