plate no. 5460

Portrait of the Brother of the Painter Micheli

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigureclothinghatpersonmale

some experience helpful

Recreating this portrait will help students develop skills in tonal shading, capturing likeness, and understanding form through value. Students will also learn to create soft edges and subtle transitions in tone.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall proportions and placement of the figure.
step 02
Focus on the basic shapes of the head, hat, and clothing.
step 03
Establish the darkest areas of the portrait, such as the hair and shadows under the chin and hat.
step 04
Gradually build up the mid-tones, blending carefully to create smooth transitions.
step 05
Pay close attention to the highlights on the face and clothing, using a light touch.
step 06
Refine the details of the eyes, nose, and mouth, capturing the likeness of the subject.
step 07
Soften edges where necessary to create a sense of atmosphere and depth.
step 08
Add final touches and adjustments to the overall tonal balance.

color palette

primary · charcoal gray · ivory black

secondary · warm gray · cool gray

Achieve variations in tone by layering charcoal or graphite and blending with a blending stump or soft cloth. Use white chalk or charcoal sparingly for highlights.

techniques