plate no. 0055

Portrait of Ivan Kliun

Kazimir Malevich, 1933

oilSymbolismportraitportraitfiguremanfaceclothinghead

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors and using visible brushstrokes to create texture and form. It also provides practice in capturing likeness and expression in a portrait.

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 head and shoulders.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of a neutral color.
step 03
Begin layering in the darker values, focusing on the background and shadows on the face.
step 04
Introduce the local colors of the skin, hair, and clothing, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 05
Build up the highlights and mid-tones, blending carefully to create smooth transitions.
step 06
Add details to the eyes, nose, and mouth, paying attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
step 07
Refine the edges and contours of the figure, softening or sharpening them as needed.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium red · titanium white · viridian green

Mix various shades of green and brown by combining yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and burnt umber. Use white to lighten these colors and create highlights. Add small amounts of cadmium red to create warmer skin tones.

techniques