plate no. 3007

Study of a Boy Turning His Head

chalk, paperMannerism (Late Renaissance)sketch and studyfigureportraitheadtorsosketchchild

some experience helpful

Recreating this drawing will help students develop skills in figure drawing, understanding form through line and shading, and capturing likeness. It also provides practice in using a limited color palette to create depth and dimension.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch of the overall composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Refine the sketch, paying close attention to the angles and curves of the head and torso.
step 03
Start adding the main contours of the face and head covering, defining the shape of the nose, mouth, and eyes.
step 04
Begin shading the face, using hatching and cross-hatching to create depth and volume.
step 05
Develop the shading on the torso and head covering, following the contours of the forms.
step 06
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using finer lines and shading.
step 07
Refine the overall drawing, adjusting the proportions and shading as needed.
step 08
Add the second figure, using lighter lines and less detail to create a sense of depth.

color palette

primary · red chalk

secondary · white (paper)

Vary the pressure and density of the chalk to create different values of red, from light to dark.

techniques

·Hatching
·Cross-hatching
·Contour drawing
·Value shading
·Line weight variation

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions wrong, especially in the face.
→Applying too much pressure with the chalk, resulting in a flat, lifeless drawing.
→Not paying attention to the direction of the light, resulting in inconsistent shading.
→Overworking the drawing, resulting in a stiff, unnatural look.