plate no. 1253

Musicologist Komitas

Panos Terlemezian, 1913

oil, canvasSymbolismportraitfiguretreetentcarpetlandscapebook

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding how to create depth and atmosphere in a landscape setting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes: the figure, the tree, the tent, and the carpet.
step 02
Establish the basic color blocks for each area, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Develop the figure's skin tones, paying attention to subtle variations in light and shadow.
step 04
Work on the details of the tree bark, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture.
step 05
Render the tent, focusing on the interplay of light and shadow to create a sense of volume.
step 06
Add details to the carpet, simplifying the pattern while still capturing its overall design.
step 07
Refine the background elements, such as the sky and foliage, to create depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · cerulean blue · alizarin crimson · sap green

Mix various shades of brown and black with white to create the figure's clothing and the tree bark. Use blues and greens to create the sky and foliage. Mix reds, blues, and yellows to create the carpet's intricate patterns.

techniques