plate no. 2599

One Chord

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)self-portraitself-portraitfiguresmusical instrumentclothingskyfoliage

experienced study

Recreating this painting would help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as practice layering and blending techniques to create depth and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and objects.
step 02
Establish the main value structure by blocking in the dark and light areas with thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin layering in the local colors of the skin, clothing, and background, paying attention to subtle shifts in hue and value.
step 04
Develop the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth, using small brushes and precise strokes.
step 05
Refine the textures of the clothing and musical instrument, using a variety of brushstrokes and techniques.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to achieve a harmonious and unified effect.
step 08
Add final details and refine edges.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow

secondary · burnt sienna · alizarin crimson · viridian

Mix skin tones using white, yellow, red, and a touch of blue or green for shadows. Achieve the coat color by mixing raw umber with a touch of yellow and white. Use ultramarine with burnt sienna to create the dark tones.

techniques