plate no. 3927

Man Waiting

Ottone Rosai, 1919

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfiguresmenindoorswaitingclothing

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice capturing figures with loose brushstrokes and a limited color palette. Students can learn to suggest form and detail through value and texture rather than precise rendering.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and placement of the figures.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of dark brown and gray.
step 03
Block in the main areas of dark and light on the figures, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 04
Use thicker paint and visible brushstrokes to define the forms and add texture.
step 05
Add highlights with lighter tones to create contrast and bring the figures forward.
step 06
Refine the details of the faces and hands, keeping the brushwork loose and expressive.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors as needed to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final touches and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining raw umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna sparingly to add warmth to certain areas.

techniques