plate no. 6602

My nephew Emanuel

Alfred Freddy Krupa, 2021

oil, canvasContemporary Realismportraitportraitfiguremanredabstract backgroundcontemporary

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing, and creating abstract backgrounds with expressive brushstrokes. It also provides practice in capturing likeness and creating a sense of depth with limited color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the head, shoulders, and background elements.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in the background with varying shades of red and brown.
step 03
Begin layering the skin tones, focusing on the highlights and shadows to define the facial features.
step 04
Paint the red shirt, paying attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
step 05
Add the abstract lines in the background using a lighter color, creating a sense of depth and movement.
step 06
Refine the facial features and add details such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Adjust the overall composition and make any necessary corrections.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · cadmium red · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson

Mix various shades of red and brown by combining cadmium red, burnt umber, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and alizarin crimson to create warmer and cooler tones.

techniques

·portraiture
·alla prima
·color mixing
·expressive brushwork
·layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
→Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
→Creating a flat and lifeless background.
→Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 16x20
·oil paints (cadmium red, burnt umber, titanium white, yellow ochre, alizarin crimson)
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·palette knife
·rags