plate no. 1303

Oscar Mendelsohn, Esq. F.R.I.C.

Max Meldrum, 1936

oilTonalismportraitportraitfiguremanclothinghairface

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and using tonal values to create form. It also provides practice in simplifying complex shapes and using a limited color palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, shoulders, and features.
step 02
Establish the overall tonal values of the background, face, and clothing using thin washes.
step 03
Begin building up the form of the face by layering darker and lighter tones, focusing on the planes of the face.
step 04
Define the features (eyes, nose, mouth) with subtle variations in value and color.
step 05
Paint the hair, paying attention to the direction of the brushstrokes to suggest volume and texture.
step 06
Add details to the clothing, such as the collar, tie, and jacket, using similar tonal values.
step 07
Refine the edges and details, softening or sharpening them as needed to create depth and focus.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of realism.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Achieve the skin tones by mixing raw umber, titanium white, and a touch of yellow ochre or burnt sienna. Adjust the values by adding more white or black.

techniques