plate no. 5141

Portrait of Mr. Hasen

Felix Vallotton, 1913

oil, canvasMagic Realismportraitportraitfiguretablefloralcurtainsinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing, and rendering textures like fabric and skin. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch of the overall composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure and key elements.
step 02
Block in the main shapes with thin washes of color, establishing the basic values and color relationships.
step 03
Begin refining the figure's features, paying close attention to the planes of the face and subtle variations in skin tone.
step 04
Develop the details of the clothing, focusing on the folds and textures of the fabric.
step 05
Work on the floral pattern on the table, simplifying the design and focusing on the overall color harmony.
step 06
Address the background elements, including the curtains and the dark interior, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of realism.
step 08
Refine the details and make any necessary adjustments to the composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · alizarin crimson

secondary · viridian · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Achieve skin tones by mixing burnt umber, raw sienna, and titanium white, with small touches of alizarin crimson for warmth. Darken colors with burnt umber and lighten with titanium white.

techniques