plate no. 3397

Stanley Young

John Steuart Curry, 1932

oilRegionalismportraitportraitmandeskbookswindowinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and creating realistic skin tones. It will also provide practice in rendering textures and creating depth through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figure and objects.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors using thin washes of paint.
step 03
Focus on establishing the correct values and color relationships in the face.
step 04
Gradually build up layers of paint, adding details and refining the forms.
step 05
Pay attention to the light source and how it affects the shadows and highlights.
step 06
Work on the background and surrounding objects, ensuring they complement the main subject.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.
step 08
Allow to dry and varnish for protection.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · ultramarine blue · cadmium red

Mix various shades of brown and beige by combining yellow ochre, burnt umber, and white. Use small amounts of red and blue to adjust the temperature of the browns. Create skin tones by mixing red, yellow, blue, and white.

techniques