plate no. 5891

Nostalgia

Jose Higuera, 2014

oil, canvasRealismportraitfigureportraitwindowcurtainslightshadow

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic skin tones and drapery, as well as understanding the interplay of light and shadow to create depth and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure and window.
step 02
Establish the main light and shadow areas with a thin wash of color.
step 03
Begin building up the skin tones, layering colors to create depth and realism.
step 04
Work on the drapery, paying attention to the folds and how light interacts with the fabric.
step 05
Define the background and window details, ensuring they complement the figure.
step 06
Refine the details, such as the hair, facial features, and highlights on the clothing.
step 07
Add final glazes to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Step back and make any necessary adjustments to the overall composition and values.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

secondary · ultramarine blue · ivory black · cadmium yellow light

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and a touch of ultramarine blue. Use raw umber and ivory black to create the dark shadows. Mix white with a touch of yellow ochre for the highlights on the curtains.

techniques