plate no. 7822
Portrait of Guido Guersi
Matthias Grünewald, 1514
some experience helpful
This drawing helps students develop skills in rendering form with line and value, and understanding the structure of the human head. It also provides practice in creating texture through hatching and cross-hatching.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the overall shape and proportions of the head and shoulders.
- step 02
Establish the main planes of the face and neck with light lines.
- step 03
Begin adding darker values to define the shadows and contours.
- step 04
Develop the beard and hair, focusing on the direction and flow of the lines.
- step 05
Refine the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 06
Add cross-hatching to build up darker values and create texture.
- step 07
Soften some edges to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights to enhance the form.
color palette
primary · black chalk · white chalk
secondary · sepia
Vary pressure to achieve different values of gray. Use white chalk sparingly for highlights.
techniques
- ·hatching
- ·cross-hatching
- ·contour drawing
- ·value shading
- ·blending
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the drawing
- →Failing to establish accurate proportions
- →Creating flat, lifeless values
- →Ignoring the direction of the light
materials
surface · smooth drawing paper
required
- ·white paper
- ·black chalk
- ·white chalk
- ·kneaded eraser
- ·pencil sharpener
- ·fixative spray
optional
- ·sepia chalk
- ·tortillon
- ·chamois cloth
Use a paper with a slightly textured surface to help the chalk adhere. Work in a well-lit area to accurately judge values.
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