plate no. 1693
Portrait of the Painter Gerassimos Dialismas
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering form with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in mixing subtle skin tones and creating a sense of depth.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a light sketch of the overall composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
- step 03
Start building up the skin tones, layering colors and blending edges.
- step 04
Define the features of the face, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 05
Add details to the clothing and background, using thicker paint and more visible brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension.
- step 07
Add final details, such as the hair and eyes.
- step 08
Step back and assess the overall effect, making any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · ivory black · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue
Mix skin tones by combining white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of red. Use black and blue to create shadows and depth in the clothing and hair.
techniques
- ·alla prima
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overblending the skin tones, resulting in a flat and lifeless appearance.
- →Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
- →Ignoring the importance of light and shadow.
- →Using too much detail in the background, distracting from the main subject.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·#8 filbert brush
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grit canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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