plate no. 8236
Study of a Man Wearing a Hat
Jacopo Pontormo, 1519
some experience helpful
Recreating this drawing will help students develop skills in figure drawing, shading with chalk, and understanding proportions of the human head. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and form using a limited palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
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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