plate no. 3457

Portrait Of Christian Brinton

Horace Pippin, 1940

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)portraitportraitfigurebookshelfsuitwindowinterior

some experience helpful

This painting offers a chance to practice simplifying forms and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive image. Students can learn to create depth through layering and subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, bookshelf, and window.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: the skin tones, suit, bookshelf, and background.
step 03
Begin adding details to the face, focusing on the planes and subtle value changes.
step 04
Develop the bookshelf by painting individual books with varying colors and textures.
step 05
Add details to the suit, including the buttons, pocket square, and folds.
step 06
Refine the window and background, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to the entire painting.
step 08
Allow to dry and add a varnish layer.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · cadmium red · cerulean blue · yellow ochre

Mix skin tones by combining white, raw umber, and a touch of red. Achieve the dark suit color by mixing black with a touch of umber and blue. Use white to lighten values and create highlights.

techniques