plate no. 3795

Portrait of Jacques de la Fregonniere

Lajos Tihanyi, 1933

oilExpressionismportraitportraitmanhatsuitfigureclothing

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice expressive brushwork and color mixing to create a unique portrait. Students can learn to capture a likeness while using bold strokes and simplified forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure, paying attention to proportions and pose.
step 02
Block in the background with a solid layer of red, leaving some texture.
step 03
Establish the main color areas for the hat, suit, and skin tones.
step 04
Begin adding details to the face, focusing on the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Develop the folds and shadows in the clothing, using thicker paint and visible brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the details of the hands and cane, adding highlights and shadows.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and contrast to achieve the desired effect.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · red · green · flesh tones · blue

secondary · yellow · brown · white

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and adjust with browns or reds for different shades. Flesh tones can be achieved by mixing reds, yellows, and whites, with small amounts of blue or green for shadows.

techniques