plate no. 6539
Portret of Damir
Vjeran Čengić, 2017
some experience helpful
This painting provides an opportunity to practice expressive brushstrokes and color mixing to create a vibrant portrait. Students will learn to simplify forms and use color to define light and shadow.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, hat, and headphones, focusing on proportions.
- step 02
Block in the background with broad strokes of blues, greens, and purples, varying the direction of the strokes.
- step 03
Establish the main areas of light and shadow on the face and body using a limited palette of skin tones.
- step 04
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using small, expressive brushstrokes.
- step 05
Paint the hat and headphones, paying attention to the highlights and shadows.
- step 06
Refine the background, adding more color variations and textures.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to the figure and background.
- step 08
Allow to dry and varnish for protection.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · phthalo green · titanium white · cadmium red
secondary · yellow ochre · purple · black
Mix various shades of blue and green for the background. Create skin tones by mixing white, red, and yellow ochre. Use black and ultramarine blue to create dark shades.
techniques
- ·expressive brushstrokes
- ·color mixing
- ·layering
- ·impasto
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Neglecting the proportions of the figure.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·acrylic paints
- ·oil paints
- ·assorted brushes (flat, round)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·painting easel
- ·rags
Use a combination of acrylic and oil paints to achieve the desired textures and effects. Acrylics can be used for the underpainting and background, while oils can be used for the details and highlights.
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