plate no. 9299
Portrait of Přemysl Šámal
some experience helpful
This painting provides an opportunity to practice portraiture, focusing on capturing likeness and creating depth through subtle value changes. Students can also learn about creating a sense of atmosphere through soft brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a light sketch of the overall composition, paying attention to proportions and placement of the figure.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes with mid-tone values, establishing the basic structure of the portrait.
- step 03
Begin to refine the values, working from dark to light, to create form and dimension.
- step 04
Focus on the face, paying close attention to the subtle variations in value that define the features.
- step 05
Add details to the clothing and chair, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 06
Soften edges and blend values to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 07
Add highlights to the face and hands to create focal points.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and details to complete the portrait.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · payne's gray · yellow ochre
Achieve subtle value changes by gradually mixing white or black with raw umber. Use yellow ochre sparingly to warm up the skin tones.
techniques
- ·value study
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·portraiture
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Creating harsh lines and edges that detract from the softness of the portrait.
- →Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
- →Not paying enough attention to the subtle value changes that create form.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a smooth canvas to facilitate blending. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a mid-tone value.
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