
plate no. 0870
Martin Pereira, 2018
This painting provides practice in portraiture, focusing on shading and blending techniques to create form. It also introduces the challenge of capturing the likeness and expression of a subject using a limited color palette.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head, face, and shoulders.
Define the main features of the face: eyes, nose, and mouth, paying attention to proportions.
Block in the dark areas of the hair and background with charcoal.
Begin shading the face with charcoal, building up layers to create depth and form.
Use a blending stump or your finger to smooth out the charcoal and create soft transitions.
Add the red color to the lips using a pastel stick.
Refine the details of the hair, flowers, and clothing.
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the contrast and create a sense of realism.
color palette
primary · charcoal gray · white
secondary · red pastel
Varying pressure and blending of charcoal creates different shades of gray. Red is used directly from the pastel stick.
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · Drawing paper (smooth or slightly textured)
required
optional
Toned paper can help establish mid-tones quickly. Use fixative spray sparingly to avoid darkening the charcoal.
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