plate no. 0853

Portrait of a Man

oilPost-Impressionismportraitportraitmanbeardfacefigurehead

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex forms into geometric shapes and use hatching techniques to create value and texture. It's a good exercise in expressive mark-making and understanding light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic geometric shapes of the head, beard, and shoulders.
step 02
Define the main areas of light and shadow using a soft pencil or charcoal.
step 03
Apply a thin wash of diluted watercolor or ink to the background, using blues and greens.
step 04
Use hatching and cross-hatching with charcoal or pencil to build up the darker areas of the hair, beard, and shadows on the face.
step 05
Add subtle washes of color to the face and clothing, using pinks, browns, and grays.
step 06
Refine the details of the face, paying attention to the shapes of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Add final touches of color and shading to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition, ensuring a balance between light and dark areas.

color palette

primary · black · white · tan · grey

secondary · blue · green · red

Mix various shades of gray by diluting black with water or mixing black and white. Achieve skin tones by mixing tan with small amounts of red and brown.

techniques