plate no. 7183
Portrait of Anne in Sunglasses
Avigdor Arikha, 1981
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a light sketch of the figure's proportions and pose.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and values with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Focus on the background, establishing the overall tone.
- step 04
Develop the skin tones, layering subtle variations in color and value.
- step 05
Refine the details of the face, paying attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 06
Paint the hair, capturing its texture and volume.
- step 07
Add the clothing, focusing on the folds and shadows.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to create a cohesive and realistic image.
color palette
primary · titanium white · raw umber · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre
secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red light
Mix skin tones by combining white, yellow ochre, raw umber, and a touch of red. Use ultramarine blue and white to create the blue of the shirt, adding raw umber for darker shades. The background is primarily a mix of white and raw umber.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·color mixing
- ·value study
- ·layering
- ·blending
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions wrong in the initial sketch.
- →Overworking the skin tones and losing the subtle variations.
- →Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
- →Ignoring the importance of value in creating form.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-sized canvas (e.g., 16x20 inches) is recommended.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
