plate no. 9546

Robert Reich

oilContemporary Realismportraitportraitfiguresuitbookscomputerdesk

experienced study

Recreating this painting would develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as rendering realistic textures and lighting on clothing and skin.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the overall composition and proportions.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Develop the background and establish the light source.
step 04
Focus on the face, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Refine the clothing and other details, such as the books and computer.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Blend and soften edges as needed to achieve a realistic effect.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as necessary.

color palette

primary · ivory black · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white

Mix various shades of gray and brown for the suit and background. Use a combination of red, yellow, and white to create the skin tones. Mix blue and white for the shirt, and red and brown for the tie.

techniques

·portrait drawing
·color mixing
·glazing
·blending
·rendering textures

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions of the face
→Overblending, resulting in a flat appearance
→Inaccurate color mixing for skin tones
→Neglecting the background details

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 18x24
·Oil paints (ivory black, ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, cadmium red, yellow ochre, raw umber, titanium white)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Easel