apprentice
artistsserieslearnchatartworkscommunity gallery
apprentice

deliberate practice for serious artists

aboutgalleryprivacyterms
built by reducibl.com
home·artworks·Retrat De Carles Gumersind Vidiella
Retrat De Carles Gumersind Vidiella by Joan Brull

plate no. 6399

Retrat De Carles Gumersind Vidiella

Joan Brull

oilRealismsketch and studyportraitfiguremanbeardheadclothing
some experience helpful

This drawing emphasizes accurate proportions and subtle shading to create form. Recreating it will help students develop skills in observation, linework, and tonal value.

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

    Lightly sketch the overall shape and proportions of the head and shoulders.

  2. step 02

    Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the placement of the eyes, nose, and mouth.

  3. step 03

    Add details to the hair and beard, using short, directional strokes.

  4. step 04

    Begin shading the face, using a range of values to create depth and dimension.

  5. step 05

    Add shading to the clothing and background, keeping the values consistent with the overall tone of the drawing.

  6. step 06

    Refine the linework, adding darker lines to emphasize the contours of the face and clothing.

  7. step 07

    Add final details, such as highlights and shadows, to create a sense of realism.

  8. step 08

    Soften harsh lines with a blending stump or tortillon.

color palette

primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · ivory black

secondary · red ochre · titanium white

Mix raw umber and ivory black for the darker tones. Use burnt sienna and red ochre for the skin tones, lightening with titanium white.

techniques

  • ·hatching
  • ·cross-hatching
  • ·blending
  • ·value shading
  • ·contour drawing

common pitfalls

  • →Incorrect proportions can ruin the likeness.
  • →Overworking the drawing can lead to a muddy or lifeless result.
  • →Failing to establish a full range of values can make the drawing appear flat.
  • →Using too much pressure can make the lines appear harsh and unnatural.

materials

surface · toned paper

required

  • ·toned paper
  • ·graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B)
  • ·kneaded eraser
  • ·blending stump
  • ·tortillon
  • ·pencil sharpener

optional

  • ·ruler
  • ·drawing board
  • ·fixative spray

Choose a toned paper that is slightly darker than the lightest values in the drawing. This will allow you to create a full range of values.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
chat about this artwork

in this vein

related artworks

Portrait of James Wright

Portrait of James Wright

Thomas Eakins

Portrait of a lady

Portrait of a lady

Karl Gussow

Sisters

Sisters

Émile Auguste Hublin

Catching Up on the News

Catching Up on the News

Eastman Johnson

At the porter's room

At the porter's room

Vladimir Makovsky

Flowers and Fruit

Flowers and Fruit

Henri Fantin-Latour

Valle de México desde el Molino del Rey

Valle de México desde el Molino del Rey

Jose Maria Velasco

Self-Portrait II

Self-Portrait II

Mihaly Munkacsy