plate no. 3641

Portrait of a Man

Erich Heckel, 1919

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfiguremanhandsgeometricabstract

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and using bold outlines to define the subject. It also provides practice in limited color palette application and creating texture with brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head, hands, and background elements, focusing on proportions and angles.
step 02
Block in the background areas with solid colors: ochre, blue, and black.
step 03
Mix the green color for the face and hands, and apply it in broad strokes, leaving some areas lighter and darker for variation.
step 04
Use black to outline the facial features, hands, and clothing, emphasizing the geometric shapes.
step 05
Add subtle variations in the green areas by mixing in small amounts of yellow or brown.
step 06
Refine the outlines and shapes as needed, paying attention to the overall composition.
step 07
Add any final details or adjustments to the colors and values.
step 08
Let the painting dry completely.

color palette

primary · green · black · ochre

secondary · blue

The green can be achieved by mixing yellow and blue, with a touch of brown or black to mute the color. The ochre can be created by mixing yellow and brown.

techniques

·blocking
·outlining
·dry brushing
·geometric abstraction
·limited palette

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the simplicity of the original.
→Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
→Not paying attention to the proportions and angles of the face and hands.
→Making the outlines too thin and weak.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·canvas or paper
·acrylic or oil paints
·green paint
·black paint
·ochre paint
·blue paint
·assorted brushes

optional

·palette knife
·medium for blending
·easel

Use a canvas with a slightly rough texture to enhance the brushstroke effect. Acrylic paints will dry faster, while oil paints will allow for more blending time.

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