Nun by Lin Fengmian

plate no. 9225

Nun

oilExpressionismportraitfigureportraitnunreligioushalorobe

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying forms and using expressive brushstrokes to create texture and mood. It also provides practice in color mixing to achieve subtle variations in tone.

technical profile

palette complexity

3

brushwork visibility

4

value contrast

3

compositional simplicity

4

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure and background.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: the dark robe, skin tones, and background.
step 03
Start adding details to the face, focusing on the eyes and mouth.
step 04
Define the folds and shadows in the robe using darker values.
step 05
Create the halo with a soft, diffused yellow.
step 06
Add texture to the background with loose, expressive brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values as needed.
step 08
Add the small cross on the robe.

color palette

primary · black · raw umber · yellow ochre

secondary · turquoise · white · purple

Mix black with raw umber to create a deep, rich black for the robe. Use yellow ochre and white for the skin tones, adding small amounts of raw umber for shadows. Mix turquoise with white to create the light blue accents.

techniques

·dry brush texture
·color blending
·expressive brushstrokes
·simplification of form

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details
→Creating muddy colors
→Not simplifying the forms enough
→Making the brushstrokes too uniform

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·acrylic paints
·canvas 16x20
·#8 round brush
·#4 filbert brush
·palette
·water container
·paper towels

optional

·palette knife
·retarder medium
·easel

Using a slightly textured canvas can enhance the effect of the dry brush technique. Acrylics are suggested for ease of use and quick drying time.

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