plate no. 4281

Portrait of the officer George-Alexander A. Mangaki

Dimitris Mytaras, 1982

oilContemporary Realismportraitportraitfigurebustchairmansuit

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing for skin tones and fabric, and capturing form with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and proportions of the figure, chair, and bust.
step 02
Establish the overall background color and major value areas.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the figure's skin, suit, and tie, focusing on accurate color matching.
step 04
Begin to refine the facial features, paying close attention to the placement and shape of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Develop the details of the suit and chair, using visible brushstrokes to create texture and form.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension in the figure and bust.
step 07
Refine the background, adding subtle details and variations in color.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values to create a cohesive and compelling portrait.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium red · raw sienna · ivory black

Mix various combinations of white, blue, umber, and ochre to achieve the skin tones and suit colors. Use small amounts of red for subtle warmth in the skin. Mix black and umber for darker shadows.

techniques