plate no. 9155
Portrait of Heinrich Rieger
Egon Schiele, 1917
some experience helpful
This artwork is a great study in capturing a likeness with minimal color and expressive line work. Recreating it will help students develop their observational drawing skills and learn to suggest form through contour and shading.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the overall proportions and pose of the figure.
- step 02
Refine the sketch, paying attention to the angles and curves of the body.
- step 03
Begin adding darker contour lines to define the edges of the figure and clothing.
- step 04
Use hatching and cross-hatching to create shadows and volume.
- step 05
Add details to the face, focusing on capturing the likeness of the subject.
- step 06
Use a kneaded eraser to lift highlights and soften edges.
- step 07
Add the small details and signature in the bottom right corner.
- step 08
Step back and make final adjustments to the overall composition.
color palette
primary · sepia · ivory black · white
secondary · red
Mix sepia with ivory black to create darker shades for shadows. Use white sparingly to create highlights. The red is used to add a touch of color to the tie.
techniques
- ·contour drawing
- ·hatching
- ·cross-hatching
- ·value shading
- ·expressive linework
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the drawing and losing the spontaneity of the original.
- →Getting the proportions wrong in the initial sketch.
- →Not paying attention to the direction of the light source.
- →Using too much pressure when applying the charcoal.
materials
surface · drawing paper
required
- ·charcoal pencils (soft, medium, hard)
- ·kneaded eraser
- ·drawing paper
- ·fixative spray
- ·red colored pencil
optional
- ·tortillon
- ·chamois cloth
- ·ruler
Use a smooth drawing paper for best results. A variety of charcoal pencils will allow for a wider range of values.
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