plate no. 8096

Retrato do bailarino Francis

Mario Eloy, 1930

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfiguremansuitchairindoor

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice color mixing for skin tones and fabric, as well as understanding how to create form with subtle value changes. It also provides an opportunity to study simplified shapes and composition.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, chair, and background.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the background, figure, and chair using diluted washes.
step 03
Begin to refine the shapes and values of the figure, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Mix and apply skin tones, gradually building up layers of color.
step 05
Add details to the suit, including the tie and pocket square.
step 06
Refine the chair and the floor, adding subtle variations in color and value.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to the face and hands.
step 08
Check proportions and make any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Titanium white · Cadmium red light · Yellow Ochre

secondary · Burnt umber · Viridian

Mix Prussian blue and white for the suit, adding small amounts of red and yellow to adjust the hue. Use yellow ochre, cadmium red light, and white to create skin tones, adding small amounts of blue or umber to cool or warm the color. Mix viridian and white for the background.

techniques

·Color mixing
·Layering
·Blocking in
·Subtle blending
·Simplified shapes

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details
→Incorrect proportions
→Muddy colors
→Ignoring the light source

materials

surface · Stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 16x20
·Acrylic or oil paints
·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
·Flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Odorless mineral spirits or water
·Rags

optional

·Medium (for oil paints)
·Easel
·Reference photo print

Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. If using acrylics, work quickly as they dry fast. If using oils, allow each layer to dry before applying the next.

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