plate no. 6284
Mountain Climber
Dana Levin, 2005
some experience helpful
This painting provides an opportunity to practice portraiture, focusing on subtle value changes to create form and capturing realistic skin tones. Students can also learn about creating depth and atmosphere with a limited color palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
5
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a light sketch of the figure's proportions and placement on the canvas.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of light and shadow using a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar neutral color.
- step 03
Establish the background color, paying attention to subtle variations in tone.
- step 04
Begin layering in the skin tones, starting with the mid-tones and gradually adding highlights and shadows.
- step 05
Mix and apply the colors for the hat and clothing, focusing on capturing the texture and folds.
- step 06
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 07
Soften edges and blend transitions between light and shadow to create a smooth, realistic effect.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ivory black · burnt umber · yellow ochre
secondary · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue
Mix skin tones by combining white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of red. Use black and burnt umber for shadows, and add blue to darken the hat and clothing.
techniques
- ·value studies
- ·portrait drawing
- ·color mixing
- ·blending
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the skin tones and creating a muddy effect.
- →Failing to capture the correct proportions of the face.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in value and color.
- →Creating harsh edges and transitions between light and shadow.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (12x16 or similar)
- ·oil paints (titanium white, ivory black, burnt umber, yellow ochre, cadmium red light, ultramarine blue)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·linseed oil
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·rags or paper towels
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-tooth canvas will provide a good surface for blending and layering.
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