plate no. 3027

Lane Kirkland

oilContemporary Realismportraitportraitmansuitpodiummicrophoneflag

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions, skin tone mixing, and rendering of fabric textures. It also provides practice in creating depth and form through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Develop the skin tones, paying attention to subtle variations in color and value.
step 04
Refine the details of the suit, tie, and podium, focusing on texture and form.
step 05
Paint the background elements, ensuring they recede into the distance.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the facial features, capturing the likeness of the subject.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · cadmium red · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black

Skin tones are achieved by mixing burnt umber, cadmium red, yellow ochre, and titanium white. The suit is created by mixing ultramarine blue with burnt umber and a touch of white for highlights.

techniques