plate no. 7650

Portrait of Carlos Saenz de Tejada Benvenuti

Carlos Saenz de Tejada, 1941

sanguine, paperExpressionismportraitportraitfigureboyfacehandsclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this portrait will help students develop skills in rendering form with a limited palette and understanding subtle value shifts to create depth. It also provides practice in capturing likeness and gesture.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the overall composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure.
step 02
Refine the sketch, paying close attention to the angles and shapes of the face and hands.
step 03
Begin applying the sanguine medium to the darkest areas, such as the shadows under the chin and around the eyes.
step 04
Gradually build up the mid-tones, blending the sanguine to create smooth transitions.
step 05
Use lighter pressure to create highlights on the forehead, nose, and cheeks.
step 06
Add details to the hair, eyes, and mouth, using sharp lines to define the features.
step 07
Refine the hands, paying attention to the folds and creases in the skin.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and details to create a cohesive and expressive portrait.

color palette

primary · sanguine · raw umber

secondary · ivory black · white chalk

Vary the pressure and layering of the sanguine to achieve different values. Use white chalk sparingly for highlights.

techniques

·hatching
·cross-hatching
·blending
·layering
·value shading

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall form.
→Creating harsh lines instead of smooth transitions.
→Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
→Using too much white chalk and making the portrait look washed out.

materials

surface · Drawing paper (toned or off-white)

required

·Sanguine pencil or crayon
·Drawing paper (toned or off-white)
·Kneaded eraser
·Blending stump or tortillon
·Soft cloth or paper towel
·Fixative spray

optional

·White chalk
·Charcoal pencil

Choose a drawing paper with a slightly textured surface to allow the sanguine to adhere well. A toned paper can help to establish the mid-tones and make the highlights pop.

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