plate no. 3125
Paul McCartney and Flowers
John Bratby, 1967
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and capturing likeness with simplified forms. Students will also learn to balance a portrait with surrounding elements.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, chair, and flowers, focusing on proportions and composition.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color for the background, figure, and plants using thin washes.
- step 03
Start building up the colors in the face, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 04
Add details to the jacket, using short, expressive brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 05
Paint the jeans and chair, focusing on the folds and shadows.
- step 06
Add the flowers and plants, varying the colors and shapes to create visual interest.
- step 07
Refine the details and add highlights to the face, jacket, and flowers.
- step 08
Add final touches and adjust the colors as needed.
color palette
primary · red · blue · white · green
secondary · yellow · brown · black
Mix red and brown to achieve the jacket color. Use white to lighten the blues and greens. Mix black with other colors to create shadows.
techniques
- ·expressive brushwork
- ·color blocking
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Using too much paint
- →Not paying attention to proportions
- →Ignoring the background
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-sized canvas to allow for expressive brushstrokes. Acrylics are a good option for beginners due to their fast drying time.
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