plate no. 8219

My Father

Carlos Botelho, 1937

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigurepianochairindoorbook

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice portraiture, color mixing for skin tones, and creating depth through layering and brushwork. It also provides an opportunity to explore expressive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, piano, and chair.
step 02
Establish the background color with broad strokes of blue and green.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color: the figure's skin, clothing, and the piano.
step 04
Begin layering colors to build up the skin tones, using yellows, reds, and browns.
step 05
Define the features of the face, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 06
Add details to the piano and the book, using smaller brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the background and the chair, adding subtle variations in color.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create depth.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · ivory black

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · titanium white

Mix skin tones using yellow ochre, burnt umber, cadmium red, and white. Achieve the blue-green background by mixing ultramarine blue, viridian green, and white. Darken colors with burnt umber and lighten with white.

techniques