plate no. 9380
Portrait of Frenza Sobotka
John Quincy Adams, 1912
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering form with subtle value changes and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in capturing the likeness of a subject and depicting drapery.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the main shapes and proportions of the figure, chair, and background.
- step 02
Establish the darkest and lightest areas to define the overall value range.
- step 03
Begin blocking in the mid-tones, focusing on the planes of the face and body.
- step 04
Develop the drapery of the dress, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
- step 05
Refine the details of the chair and background, adding texture and subtle variations in tone.
- step 06
Adjust the values and edges to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 07
Add final highlights and details to the face and dress.
- step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition and values to achieve a cohesive and balanced image.
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · raw umber · payne's gray
Mix various shades of gray by combining ivory black and titanium white in different ratios. Use raw umber and payne's gray to create warmer and cooler grays.
techniques
- ·value studies
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·rendering drapery
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in tone that create form.
- →Creating harsh edges that flatten the image.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·payne's gray oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium (e.g. Liquin)
- ·varnish
Use a smooth canvas for easier blending. Consider using a medium to speed up drying time.
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