
plate no. 7126
Antonio de la Gándara, 1883
This painting provides a good opportunity to practice portraiture and rendering of different textures, such as skin, fabric, and ceramic. Students can also learn about creating depth and atmosphere through subtle value changes and soft edges.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, table, and objects.
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the dark background and the mid-tones of the figure and objects.
Begin refining the facial features, paying attention to the subtle shifts in value and color.
Develop the details of the clothing, table, and objects, focusing on their textures and forms.
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
Refine the edges and blend the colors to create a soft, atmospheric effect.
Add the floral details to the mug.
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to achieve a harmonious composition.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red light
secondary · viridian · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Mix ivory black and raw umber for the dark background and clothing. Use white and cadmium red light for skin tones, adjusting the ratio for highlights and shadows. Mix viridian and white for the green pitcher. Use yellow ochre to create the warm tones of the table.
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · stretched canvas
required
optional
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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