plate no. 1910
Sketch for the Portrait of Friedrich Naumann
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice capturing likeness with loose brushstrokes and understanding the importance of value in creating form. It also provides an opportunity to study the impressionistic style of portraiture.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head and shoulders.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of shadow and light with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Start building up the darker values, focusing on the areas around the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 04
Add the hair, using loose, expressive brushstrokes.
- step 05
Refine the shapes and values of the face, paying attention to the subtle shifts in tone.
- step 06
Add the details of the clothing, keeping the brushstrokes loose and gestural.
- step 07
Soften edges and blend colors where necessary to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the portrait to life.
color palette
primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light
Mix various shades of brown and flesh tones by combining raw umber, burnt sienna, titanium white, and small amounts of cadmium red light. Use ultramarine blue to create cooler shadows and to neutralize the warm tones.
techniques
- ·alla prima
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·value studies
- ·color temperature
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the sketch.
- →Focusing too much on detail and neglecting the overall form.
- →Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
- →Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
A toned canvas (light brown or gray) can be helpful for establishing the initial values.
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