plate no. 0289

Portrait of a Lieutenant (Alois Gerstl)

Richard Gerstl, 1906

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)portraitportraitfigureinteriormirrorwindowfurniture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors with visible brushstrokes and capturing a sense of light and atmosphere within an interior scene. Students will also learn to simplify complex details and focus on the overall impression.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and the interior elements.
step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow using a thin wash of color.
step 03
Begin layering colors, focusing on the overall color harmony and atmosphere.
step 04
Use visible brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest.
step 05
Develop the details of the figure, paying attention to the facial features and clothing.
step 06
Refine the background elements, simplifying details and focusing on the overall composition.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · brown · green · white

secondary · blue · yellow · red

Mix various shades of brown by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, and a touch of blue. Achieve the green hues by mixing yellow and blue with varying amounts of white. Use red sparingly for accents and reflections.

techniques