plate no. 3705
Portrait of Pietro Coccoluto Ferrigni known as Yorick son of Yorick
Vittorio Matteo Corcos, 1889
some experience helpful
This painting helps students practice rendering realistic skin tones and clothing folds, as well as creating a sense of depth through subtle value changes. Recreating the wall texture and graffiti will also improve observational skills.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and the background elements (wall, window, etc.).
- step 02
Block in the main color areas: the wall, the figure's coat, pants, and hat, and the window frames.
- step 03
Begin refining the figure's features, paying attention to the subtle variations in skin tone and the details of the mustache and hat.
- step 04
Develop the background, adding details like the graffiti on the wall and the reflections in the window.
- step 05
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension in the figure and the background.
- step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes to create a sense of realism.
- step 07
Add final details, such as the cigarette in the figure's hand and the texture of the wall.
- step 08
Glaze to unify the colors and add depth.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · raw sienna · cadmium yellow
Mix yellow ochre and burnt umber with white for the wall. Use ivory black and burnt umber for the coat, adding small amounts of blue for cooler shadows. Mix raw sienna and burnt umber for the pants.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·observational drawing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to accurately capture the proportions of the figure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated or bright.
- →Ignoring the subtle value changes that create depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints (yellow ochre, burnt umber, ivory black, titanium white, ultramarine blue, raw sienna)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·mahl stick
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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