plate no. 8633

Portrait de Charles Chinet

Gustave Buchet, 1917

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfiguremanbooksinteriorpaper

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify forms into geometric shapes and use color to define planes and create depth. It also provides practice in capturing a likeness with limited detail.

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 figure and background.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Refine the shapes and colors, paying attention to the planes of the face and the folds of the clothing.
step 04
Add details such as the books and the paper, simplifying their forms.
step 05
Use short, visible brushstrokes to create texture and movement.
step 06
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red light · viridian

Mix various shades of gray and blue for the suit. Use yellow ochre and white for the skin tones, adding small amounts of red for warmth. Mix greens by combining blue and yellow.

techniques