plate no. 2031

Portrait of Faith

Robert Henri, 1927

oilAmerican Realismportraitportraitfigurechildclothingfacehair

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice portraiture, focusing on capturing likeness and using light and shadow to create form. It also allows for exploration of expressive brushwork and limited color palettes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, paying attention to the head, shoulders, and hands.
step 02
Establish the background with a dark, muted tone.
step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow on the face and clothing using broad strokes.
step 04
Refine the facial features, focusing on capturing the likeness and expression.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
step 06
Add the red bow, ensuring it complements the overall color scheme.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

Mix yellow ochre and burnt umber to create the base tone for the skin and clothing. Use titanium white to lighten these tones for highlights. Mix ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create the dark background.

techniques

·chiaroscuro
·alla prima
·broken color
·portraiture
·color temperature

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
→Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
→Creating a flat, lifeless image by not paying attention to values.
→Using colors that are too saturated or bright.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 12x16
·Oil paints: yellow ochre, burnt umber, titanium white, cadmium red, ultramarine blue
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Linseed oil
·Palette knife