plate no. 2169
Man with Straw Hat
Bela Czobel, 1906
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing and expressive brushwork, while also learning to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and planes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, hat, and background.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color with broad strokes, focusing on the overall color relationships.
- step 03
Add smaller patches of color to create variation and interest within each area.
- step 04
Define the features of the face with bolder strokes of contrasting colors.
- step 05
Refine the details of the clothing and hat, paying attention to the direction of the brushstrokes.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and volume.
- step 07
Adjust the colors and values as needed to achieve the desired effect.
- step 08
Add final details and signature.
color palette
primary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre
secondary · viridian green · purple · white
Mix red and blue to create various shades of purple. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix blue and yellow to create greens.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impasto
- ·expressive brushwork
- ·color layering
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending the colors, which can result in a muddy appearance.
- →Getting bogged down in details too early in the process.
- →Not using enough contrast in values.
- →Being afraid to use bold, expressive brushstrokes.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·odorless mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·apron
Consider using a textured canvas to enhance the expressive brushwork. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils allow for more blending time.
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