plate no. 8955
Portrait de Walter Serner
Christian Schad, 1916
some experience helpful
This painting offers a great opportunity to practice geometric abstraction and value studies using a limited palette. Students will learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and create depth through careful value gradations.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the overall composition, focusing on the major geometric shapes and the placement of the figure.
- step 02
Divide the figure and background into smaller, interlocking geometric planes.
- step 03
Establish the darkest and lightest values in the painting to create a value map.
- step 04
Begin filling in the shapes with the appropriate values, using a limited palette of black, white, and gray.
- step 05
Pay close attention to the edges of the shapes, varying the sharpness and softness to create depth and interest.
- step 06
Use visible brushstrokes to add texture and energy to the painting.
- step 07
Refine the details of the face, focusing on the eyes and mouth.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall composition.
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · payne's gray
Achieve various shades of gray by mixing black and white in different proportions. Use Payne's gray to add subtle cool tones.
techniques
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·value study
- ·dry brush
- ·broken color
- ·limited palette
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the geometric shapes.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Using too much detail in the face.
- →Creating flat, lifeless shapes.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·payne's gray oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette knife
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the brushstroke texture. Consider using a fast-drying medium to speed up the drying time.
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