plate no. 0845

Mākslinieka Alda Kļaviņa portrets.

Guntis Strupulis, 1972

oil, woodRealismportraitportraitfigurecapeseaskycliff

some experience helpful

This painting helps students practice figure painting, including proportions and basic shading, as well as blending colors to create a sense of depth and form. Students can also learn how to create a simple landscape background.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and the landscape.
step 02
Block in the main color areas: sky, sea, cliff, figure's clothing and skin.
step 03
Refine the shapes and add details to the face, hands, and clothing.
step 04
Work on the shading and highlights to create form and depth.
step 05
Blend the colors smoothly, paying attention to the transitions between light and shadow.
step 06
Add details to the background, such as the clouds and waves.
step 07
Refine the edges and add final touches to the painting.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · viridian green · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and use white to lighten the colors. Use raw umber to create shadows and add depth.

techniques

·color mixing
·blending
·layering
·shading
·figure drawing

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of the figure
→Muddy colors due to over-mixing
→Lack of contrast in the shading
→Uneven blending

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 16x20
·oil paints (cerulean blue, viridian green, titanium white, raw umber, yellow ochre, cadmium red light)
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or mineral spirits
·palette knife
·rags