plate no. 8408

Portrait of My Grandfather

oilPost-Impressionismportraitportraitfigurehatfoliagebuildingchair

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in capturing a likeness with expressive brushstrokes and creating depth through layering colors. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and use color to convey mood.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure, hat, and background buildings.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in large areas of color.
step 03
Begin layering darker values to define the shadows and forms.
step 04
Add lighter values to create highlights and bring out details in the face and hands.
step 05
Use short, expressive brushstrokes to build texture and visual interest.
step 06
Refine the details of the face, paying attention to proportions and expression.
step 07
Add final touches to the background foliage and buildings.
step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to color, value, or composition.

color palette

primary · black · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · sap green

Mix black with small amounts of blue or brown to create richer dark tones. Use yellow ochre and white to create the skin tones, adding small amounts of red for warmth. Mix greens by combining blue and yellow.

techniques