plate no. 8236
Study of a Man Wearing a Hat
Jacopo Pontormo, 1519
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the overall shape and proportions of the head and shoulders.
- step 02
Establish the main lines of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 03
Block in the basic shapes of the hat and clothing.
- step 04
Begin adding shading to define the form of the face, paying attention to the light source.
- step 05
Develop the details of the eyes, nose, and mouth, using darker lines to create definition.
- step 06
Add shading to the hat and clothing, using lighter strokes to create texture.
- step 07
Refine the overall drawing, adjusting lines and shading as needed.
- step 08
Add the background lines.
color palette
primary · red chalk · white chalk
secondary · light brown
Vary the pressure of the chalk to achieve different values. Use white chalk sparingly to highlight key areas.
techniques
- ·hatching
- ·cross-hatching
- ·blending
- ·contour drawing
- ·value shading
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the drawing and losing the freshness of the sketch.
- →Failing to establish accurate proportions early on.
- →Using too much white chalk and creating a chalky effect.
- →Not paying attention to the direction of the light source.
materials
surface · toned paper
required
- ·Red chalk
- ·White chalk
- ·Paper (toned tan or cream)
- ·Kneaded eraser
- ·Blending stump or tortillon
- ·Fixative spray
optional
- ·Sandpaper block (for sharpening chalk)
- ·Ruler
Choose a paper with a slightly rough texture to better hold the chalk. A toned paper will allow for a greater range of values.
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