Retrato de Rubén María Campos by Dr. Atl

plate no. 5098

Retrato de Rubén María Campos

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfiguretreelandscapehatfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as capturing a likeness using expressive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

4

brushwork visibility

4

value contrast

3

compositional simplicity

3

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the tree.
step 02
Establish the background landscape with broad, light strokes.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure with dark, muted tones.
step 04
Begin layering colors on the face, building up the skin tones with reds, greens, and browns.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, using short, visible brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Paint the tree trunk and foliage, varying the greens and browns to create depth.
step 07
Refine the details of the face, paying attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of realism.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · sap green · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Mix greens by combining sap green with yellow ochre or ultramarine blue. Create skin tones by mixing cadmium red, burnt umber, and titanium white.

techniques

·broken color
·scumbling
·layering
·impasto
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→Over-blending the colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Getting lost in the details too early in the process.
→Ignoring the importance of color temperature.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes
·flat brushes
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
·mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)

optional

·painting medium
·easel
·apron

Use a medium-grit canvas to allow for better paint adhesion and texture.

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

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