plate no. 9287

Portrait of Edmond, Son of the Artist

pastelRomanticismportraitportraitfigurechildclothinghairbackground

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and creating soft, blended transitions of color and value. It also provides practice in using a limited palette to create a harmonious and expressive image.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, shoulders, and clothing.
step 02
Establish the background color with a thin, even layer of pastel.
step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow on the face, hair, and clothing using broad strokes.
step 04
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the placement and shape of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Develop the details of the hair, adding highlights and shadows to create volume and texture.
step 06
Work on the clothing, defining the folds and creases with subtle variations in color and value.
step 07
Blend the pastel strokes to create soft transitions and a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · raw umber · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · rose madder · ultramarine blue

Mix burnt sienna and raw umber with white to create the skin tones. Use rose madder to add warmth to the cheeks and lips. Mix ultramarine blue with white to create the cool tones in the shadows and clothing.

techniques

·blending
·layering
·scumbling
·soft edges
·portraiture

common pitfalls

→Overworking the pastel and losing the soft, atmospheric effect.
→Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
→Using too much pressure when applying the pastel, resulting in a chalky appearance.
→Ignoring the subtle variations in color and value.

materials

surface · Pastel paper (toned)

required

·Pastel sticks (various shades of brown, white, pink, and blue)
·Pastel paper (toned)
·Kneaded eraser
·Blending stumps or tortillons
·Fixative spray
·Soft bristle brush
·Drawing board
·Reference image

optional

·Palette knife
·Workable fixative

Choose a pastel paper with a slightly textured surface to allow the pastel to adhere well. A toned paper will help to create a more harmonious and unified effect.

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