
plate no. 3111
Albin Egger-Lienz, 1912
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
approach — 8 steps
Lightly sketch the overall shape of the head and shoulders.
Establish the basic proportions of the face: eyes, nose, mouth.
Sketch the outline of the headscarf, paying attention to its folds and draping.
Begin adding darker values in areas of shadow, such as around the eyes, nose, and under the headscarf.
Use hatching and cross-hatching to build up the values and create a sense of form.
Soften edges and blend values where needed to create a smooth transition.
Add details to the face, such as wrinkles and lines, to capture the character of the subject.
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
common pitfalls
surface · drawing paper
required
optional
Use a smooth or slightly textured paper for best results.
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