plate no. 2174

Portrait of Master Bill

Arshile Gorky, 1929

oilPost-Impressionismportraitportraitfigurechairartistpalette

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying forms and using color to define shapes rather than relying on outlines. It also encourages experimentation with expressive brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure and background, focusing on proportions and composition.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and then moving to the figure.
step 03
Mix the skin tones using a limited palette of warm and cool colors.
step 04
Develop the details of the face, paying attention to the planes of the face and the direction of light.
step 05
Add the details of the clothing and chair, using bold brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes, softening some and sharpening others to create depth.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create form and dimension.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · ultramarine blue · cadmium red

Mix muted greens by combining yellow ochre, viridian green, and a touch of burnt sienna. Achieve skin tones by blending yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and titanium white, adjusting the ratios for highlights and shadows.

techniques