plate no. 7330

Portrait of Lawrence Mansfield Higgins

Serge Sudeikin, 1932

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigurefacehairshirtshadow

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice portraiture basics and understanding light and shadow to create form. Students can focus on capturing the likeness and the subtle color variations in skin tones.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, shoulders, and facial features.
step 02
Block in the main areas of light and shadow using thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin refining the shapes of the facial features, paying close attention to the angles and curves.
step 04
Mix and apply the base skin tone, then add highlights and shadows to create depth and volume.
step 05
Paint the hair, using short, directional brushstrokes to suggest texture and form.
step 06
Add details to the eyes, nose, and mouth, capturing the subtle nuances of expression.
step 07
Paint the shirt, using a similar approach to the skin tones, focusing on the folds and shadows.
step 08
Refine the background and make any necessary adjustments to the overall composition.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue · ivory black

Mix skin tones by blending white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red and umber. Use ultramarine and umber for cool shadows. Add a touch of red to the lips and cheeks.

techniques