plate no. 1409

Portrait of Grósz Andor

Lajos Tihanyi, 1915

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfiguremanchairclothingbackground

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing, layering, and capturing likeness with expressive brushstrokes. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and chair using light pencil lines.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the main areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin layering colors, focusing on capturing the local colors of the skin, clothing, and background.
step 04
Pay attention to the color temperature variations within each area, using warm and cool tones to create depth and form.
step 05
Develop the facial features, focusing on capturing the likeness and expression of the subject.
step 06
Refine the details of the clothing and chair, adding texture and interest with expressive brushstrokes.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors as needed to create a cohesive and balanced composition.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · Prussian blue · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · ultramarine blue

Mix skin tones using yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of cadmium red, adjusting the proportions to achieve the desired warmth and coolness. Greens are achieved by mixing Prussian blue and yellow ochre. Use white to lighten values and create highlights.

techniques