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home·artworks·Profile Study Of A Bearded Old Man
Profile Study Of A Bearded Old Man by Anthony van Dyck

plate no. 3038

Profile Study Of A Bearded Old Man

Anthony van Dyck

oil, panelBaroqueportraitportraitmanbeardprofileold manclothing
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand limited palette techniques and how to create form with subtle value changes. It also provides practice in capturing a likeness and conveying a sense of age and character.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Prepare a toned canvas with a warm brown underpainting.

  2. step 02

    Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head and shoulders.

  3. step 03

    Block in the darkest values using a thin wash of burnt umber or similar dark brown.

  4. step 04

    Establish the mid-tones, gradually building up the form with layers of paint.

  5. step 05

    Add highlights to the face, hair, and collar, using lighter shades of brown and white.

  6. step 06

    Refine the details of the eyes, nose, and mouth, paying attention to subtle variations in value and color.

  7. step 07

    Soften edges and blend transitions to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

  8. step 08

    Add final touches and adjust values as needed to achieve a cohesive and expressive portrait.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · ivory black · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of brown by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, and white. Use small amounts of black to deepen shadows and yellow ochre to add warmth to highlights.

techniques

  • ·underpainting
  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·dry brushing
  • ·blending

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details too early in the process.
  • →Creating harsh lines and edges instead of soft transitions.
  • →Failing to capture the correct proportions and likeness.
  • →Using too much paint and losing the transparency of the glazes.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·burnt umber oil paint
  • ·raw sienna oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·ivory black oil paint
  • ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·odorless mineral spirits

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·medium (e.g., Liquin)
  • ·varnish

A pre-toned canvas will save time and help establish the warm color palette. Use high-quality oil paints for best results.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →chiaroscuro →how to learn by studying the masters →
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