plate no. 1411

Portrait of an art collector Beffe

oilPost-Impressionismportraitportraitfiguremanhatclothingpink background

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice portraiture with simplified forms and bold brushstrokes. Students can learn to mix colors to create skin tones and capture a likeness using basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure, focusing on proportions and pose.
step 02
Block in the background with a light pink wash.
step 03
Start with the darkest values of the hat and coat, gradually adding lighter tones.
step 04
Mix skin tones and apply them to the face, neck, and hands, focusing on highlights and shadows.
step 05
Add details like the mustache, glasses, and collar.
step 06
Refine the brushstrokes and blend colors as needed.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · alizarin crimson

secondary · ivory black · yellow ochre · viridian green

Mix pinks by combining alizarin crimson and titanium white. Achieve skin tones using yellow ochre, alizarin crimson, and titanium white, with small amounts of ultramarine blue for shadows. Darken blues with ivory black.

techniques