plate no. 1234
Old Monk
some experience helpful
This painting provides an opportunity to practice portrait techniques, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones. Students will also learn to create depth and form using subtle value changes and blending.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
5
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, beard, and shoulders.
- step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow on the face and beard using mid-tones.
- step 04
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the subtle variations in skin tone.
- step 05
Add highlights to the forehead, nose, and cheekbones to create a sense of depth.
- step 06
Develop the beard with individual brushstrokes, varying the color and value to create texture.
- step 07
Paint the dark clothing, blending the edges to create a soft transition.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue
Mix yellow ochre and burnt umber with white for skin tones. Use small amounts of red and blue to create shadows and add warmth to the skin. Mix darks with burnt umber and a touch of blue.
techniques
- ·portrait painting
- ·blending
- ·value study
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overblending the skin tones, resulting in a flat appearance.
- →Getting the proportions of the face wrong.
- →Using too much white, making the skin look chalky.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the beard.
- →Not establishing a strong value structure early on.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·assorted brushes
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·painting easel
- ·mahl stick
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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