plate no. 3402
Solitude
Ivan-Valentyn Zadorozhny, 1983
suitable for beginners
This painting is great for practicing color blocking and simplifying complex forms. Students can learn to create a portrait with limited color palette and minimal shading.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on proportions.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background.
- step 03
Add the figure, starting with the head and then the body.
- step 04
Paint the tree and pots, paying attention to their shapes and placement.
- step 05
Refine the details of the face and hands.
- step 06
Add the highlights and shadows to create depth.
- step 07
Check the overall balance and make any necessary adjustments.
- step 08
Add final details and touch-ups.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · titanium white · light blue · terracotta
secondary · olive green · ochre
Mix burnt umber and white for various shades of brown. Use light blue and white for the sky. Mix terracotta with white for lighter skin tones.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·flat washes
- ·simplified shading
- ·contour drawing
- ·limited palette
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the details
- →Using too many colors
- →Not paying attention to proportions
- →Inconsistent brushstrokes
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·water
- ·pencil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·easel
- ·medium retarder
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylic paints are recommended for their fast drying time and ease of use.
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