plate no. 5799
Prof. Otto Lanz
Jan Toorop, 1927
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and rendering textures like hair and fabric. It also provides practice in color mixing and achieving subtle value gradations.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 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 areas of color: the blue background, the skin tones, the beard, and the clothing.
- step 03
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 04
Develop the texture of the beard using short, directional strokes.
- step 05
Add details to the clothing, including highlights and shadows to create form.
- step 06
Refine the background, ensuring a smooth and even application of color.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to the face and clothing.
- step 08
Check proportions and make any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · Prussian blue · Burnt umber · Titanium white
secondary · Yellow ochre · Cadmium red light
Skin tones can be achieved by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. The beard color is a mix of burnt umber, yellow ochre, and white. Vary the proportions to create highlights and shadows.
techniques
- ·Portrait sketching
- ·Color mixing for skin tones
- ·Hatching and cross-hatching
- ·Blending
- ·Layering
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions wrong in the initial sketch.
- →Overmixing colors, resulting in muddy tones.
- →Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
- →Ignoring the subtle value changes in the face and clothing.
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (small and medium)
- ·Flat brushes (medium)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Linseed oil or acrylic medium
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water
optional
- ·Easel
- ·Color chart
- ·Reference photo print
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. If using oil paints, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area.
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