plate no. 8876
Portrait of A.K
Panayiotis Tetsis, 1998
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms and using expressive brushstrokes to define shapes and values. It's also a good exercise in capturing a likeness with a limited palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and chair.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas: the red sweater, blue pants, and the colors of the chair and background.
- step 03
Establish the light and shadow patterns on the figure and the chair.
- step 04
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the planes of the face.
- step 05
Add details to the clothing and chair, using thicker brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 06
Adjust the colors and values to create a sense of depth and dimension.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to emphasize the form.
- step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · burnt umber · raw sienna
Mix red and umber for darker reds; blue and white for lighter blues; yellow ochre and umber for various browns and greens for the chair.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·expressive brushstrokes
- ·color mixing
- ·simplifying forms
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
- →Not establishing a clear light source.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (flat and round)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-tooth canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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