plate no. 7429

Portrait of Germaine Greer

Jeffrey Smart, 1984

oilContemporary Realismportraitfigurewalldoorportraiturbanletter

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in rendering realistic skin tones and clothing folds, as well as creating a sense of depth through subtle value changes in the background wall. Students can also learn about composition and how to balance elements within the frame.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, wall, and doors.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in the large areas of color (doors, wall, skirt, shirt).
step 03
Begin refining the values and tones within each area, paying attention to light and shadow.
step 04
Develop the details of the figure, focusing on accurate rendering of the face, hands, and clothing.
step 05
Add the graffiti 'R' on the wall, paying attention to its texture and edges.
step 06
Refine the background wall, adding subtle variations in color and texture.
step 07
Add the details of the chair and the bag.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · yellow · red · blue · beige

secondary · brown · gray · white

The beige of the wall is achieved by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt umber. Skin tones are created with a mix of white, yellow ochre, cadmium red, and a touch of ultramarine blue.

techniques