
plate no. 2592
Martin Schongauer, 1490
Recreating this drawing will help students develop skills in cross-hatching, line weight variation, and understanding of form through tonal values. It also provides practice in capturing likeness and expression.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Begin with a light sketch of the overall composition, focusing on proportions and placement of key features.
Refine the sketch, paying attention to the angles and curves of the face, hat, and clothing.
Start adding the darkest areas using cross-hatching, such as the shadows under the hat and around the eyes.
Gradually build up the mid-tones by adding more layers of hatching, varying the spacing and direction of the lines.
Use thinner, lighter lines to indicate highlights and areas of subtle value change.
Focus on the details of the face, such as the wrinkles and texture of the skin, using a variety of line weights.
Add the details of the hat and fur collar, paying attention to the direction and texture of the lines.
Make final adjustments to the values and details to create a sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · black · white
secondary · gray
Varying the density of hatching creates different shades of gray.
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · Drawing paper (smooth or slightly textured)
required
optional
Use a variety of pencils to achieve different values and line weights. Experiment with different hatching techniques to find what works best for you.
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