plate no. 6530
Muž s knírkem
Josef Capek, 1915
suitable for beginners
Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive image. It also encourages experimentation with abstract representation.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic outline of the head and shoulders, focusing on the overall shape and proportions.
- step 02
Divide the face into geometric shapes: a triangle for the nose, rectangles for the cheek shadows, and circles for the eyes.
- step 03
Block in the background with a muted brown color, ensuring even coverage.
- step 04
Apply the white base color to the face, leaving space for the geometric features.
- step 05
Mix the pink/red hue for the cheek shadows and apply it to the designated areas.
- step 06
Outline the geometric shapes with a dark brown or black to define them.
- step 07
Add the details like the mustache, eye, and the white dot on the shirt.
- step 08
Refine the edges and blend slightly to soften the transitions between colors.
color palette
primary · titanium white · burnt umber · cadmium red light
secondary · ivory black · gray
Mix the background color by combining burnt umber and a touch of black or gray. Create the pink/red hue by mixing cadmium red light with titanium white.
techniques
- ·blocking
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·limited palette
- ·simplification
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and adding too much detail.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Not paying attention to the proportions of the face.
- →Blending too much and losing the sharp edges of the geometric shapes.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
- ·rags
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-sized canvas to make it easier to manage the shapes and colors. Acrylics are faster drying, while oils allow for more blending.
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