plate no. 6770

Portrait of the Writer Max Frisch

Otto Dix, 1967

oil, fiberboardExpressionismportraitportraitfiguremanpipeglasseschair

experienced study

This painting helps develop skills in expressive brushwork and capturing likeness through color and value. Students will learn to simplify complex forms and create a dynamic portrait.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and chair.
step 02
Block in the main color areas: background, skin tones, suit, and tie.
step 03
Start building up layers of paint, focusing on capturing the light and shadow.
step 04
Use short, expressive brushstrokes to define the forms and textures.
step 05
Pay close attention to the facial features, especially the eyes and mouth.
step 06
Add details like the glasses, pipe, and the text on the top left.
step 07
Refine the colors and values to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · yellow ochre · purple

Mix skin tones using red, yellow ochre, and white, with touches of blue and green for shadows. Create the suit color by mixing ultramarine blue with a touch of black or burnt umber. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques