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home·artworks·the Artists Mother Maria Trojer
the Artists Mother Maria Trojer by Albin Egger-Lienz

plate no. 3111

the Artists Mother Maria Trojer

Albin Egger-Lienz, 1912

oilRealismsketch and studyportraitheadfigureheadscarfface
suitable for beginners

Recreating this drawing will help students develop skills in capturing likeness through contour drawing and understanding value shading with charcoal or graphite. It emphasizes observation and simplification of forms.

technical profile

palette complexity
1
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4

study guide

est. 4 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the overall shape of the head and shoulders.

  2. step 02

    Establish the basic proportions of the face: eyes, nose, mouth.

  3. step 03

    Sketch the outline of the headscarf, paying attention to its folds and draping.

  4. step 04

    Begin adding darker values in areas of shadow, such as around the eyes, nose, and under the headscarf.

  5. step 05

    Use hatching and cross-hatching to build up the values and create a sense of form.

  6. step 06

    Soften edges and blend values where needed to create a smooth transition.

  7. step 07

    Add details to the face, such as wrinkles and lines, to capture the character of the subject.

  8. step 08

    Refine the drawing by adjusting values and adding final touches.

color palette

primary · charcoal grey · white (paper)

secondary ·

Varying pressure on the charcoal creates different shades of grey.

techniques

  • ·contour drawing
  • ·hatching
  • ·cross-hatching
  • ·value shading
  • ·blending

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the drawing and losing the freshness of the sketch.
  • →Focusing too much on details before establishing the overall form.
  • →Not paying attention to the proportions of the face.
  • →Creating overly harsh lines without blending.

materials

surface · drawing paper

required

  • ·Sketchbook or drawing paper
  • ·Charcoal pencils (soft, medium, hard)
  • ·Kneaded eraser
  • ·Blending stump or tortillon
  • ·Pencil sharpener
  • ·Fixative spray

optional

  • ·Ruler
  • ·Compass

Use a smooth or slightly textured paper for best results.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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