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home·artworks·Portrait of a Negro, Orlovski's Servant
Portrait of a Negro, Orlovski's Servant by Alexander Orlowski

plate no. 1912

Portrait of a Negro, Orlovski's Servant

Alexander Orlowski, 1823

oilRomanticismportraitportraitfigurehairclothingface
some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in capturing likeness and using hatching and cross-hatching to create form and value. Students will also learn to simplify complex textures like hair and fur using expressive mark-making.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Begin with a light sketch of the overall composition and proportions.

  2. step 02

    Establish the main shapes of the head, hair, and clothing.

  3. step 03

    Block in the darkest values using charcoal or dark pastel.

  4. step 04

    Add mid-tones, gradually building up the form.

  5. step 05

    Use hatching and cross-hatching to define the planes of the face and create texture.

  6. step 06

    Pay close attention to the highlights and shadows to create depth.

  7. step 07

    Refine the details of the eyes, nose, and mouth.

  8. step 08

    Add final touches to the hair and clothing, capturing the texture and movement.

color palette

primary · charcoal gray · ivory black · raw umber

secondary · white · light ochre

Mix shades of gray by varying the pressure and layering of charcoal or pastel. Use white to create highlights and light ochre to warm up the skin tones.

techniques

  • ·hatching
  • ·cross-hatching
  • ·value layering
  • ·blending
  • ·expressive mark-making

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details
  • →Failing to establish a strong value structure
  • →Not capturing the likeness of the subject
  • →Making the drawing too flat

materials

surface · toned paper

required

  • ·charcoal pencils (soft, medium, hard)
  • ·white chalk or pastel
  • ·toned paper
  • ·kneaded eraser
  • ·blending stump
  • ·fixative spray

optional

  • ·tortillon
  • ·sandpaper block
  • ·ruler

Toned paper helps to establish mid-tones and makes it easier to create highlights and shadows.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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