plate no. 9154
Portrait of Francisco Cardoso
Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, 1912
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and practice layering colors to create depth and texture.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head, hat, and body, focusing on proportions.
- step 02
Establish the background with broad strokes of dark reds and browns.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of the face with light beige and pink tones, using a slightly textured brushstroke.
- step 04
Add darker values to define the shadows on the face, hat, and clothing.
- step 05
Paint the details of the eyes, nose, and mustache with small, precise strokes.
- step 06
Refine the shapes and edges of the figure, paying attention to the interplay of light and shadow.
- step 07
Add the collar and tie, using white and blue tones.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve the desired effect.
color palette
primary · burnt sienna · raw umber · titanium white · ivory black
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light · yellow ochre
Mix various shades of browns and beiges by combining burnt sienna, raw umber, and titanium white. Use ultramarine blue and ivory black to create the dark blue for the tie.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·color layering
- ·simplified shapes
- ·geometric abstraction
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplified, geometric style.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
- →Failing to capture the proportions of the face and figure.
- →Not paying attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brush (size 8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·odorless mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·apron
Use a canvas with a medium texture to enhance the dry brush effect.
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