São Francisco de Assis by Candido Portinari

plate no. 4385

São Francisco de Assis

Candido Portinari, 1941

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigurebirdreligious figurerobehands

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure, bird, and background.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: the background, the robe, the skin tones, and the bird.
step 03
Begin layering paint to build up the form of the face, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Add details to the beard and hair, using short, textured brushstrokes.
step 05
Develop the form of the hands, focusing on the planes and angles.
step 06
Paint the bird, using a combination of flat colors and textured strokes to create the pattern.
step 07
Refine the background, adding subtle variations in color and tone.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · raw sienna

secondary · payne's gray · cadmium orange

Mix burnt umber and white for the robe and skin tones. Use raw sienna and a touch of orange for the bird. Payne's gray can be added to darken shadows.

techniques

·dry brush texture
·layering
·scumbling
·color mixing
·visible brushstrokes

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
→Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Not paying attention to the proportions of the figure.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·burnt umber
·titanium white
·raw sienna
·payne's gray
·cadmium orange
·assorted brushes (flat and round)

optional

·palette knife
·painting medium
·easel

Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the visibility of the brushstrokes. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils allow for more blending time.

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