plate no. 0177
The Bouvier
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice portraiture with stylized features and learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes. It also provides experience in mixing skin tones and creating a sense of depth through layering.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, building, mountains, and animal.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas for the sky, mountains, building, figure's skin, and clothing.
- step 03
Add the darker values to define the shadows and contours of the face and body.
- step 04
Refine the details of the facial features, paying attention to the stylized shapes.
- step 05
Add the details of the building and the surrounding landscape.
- step 06
Paint the animal, focusing on its form and texture.
- step 07
Blend the edges of the color areas to create a smooth transition.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to enhance the overall composition.
color palette
primary · burnt sienna · titanium white · ultramarine blue
secondary · yellow ochre · raw umber · cadmium red light
Mix skin tones using burnt sienna, titanium white, and a touch of cadmium red light. Create the mountain colors by mixing ultramarine blue, titanium white, and a touch of burnt sienna.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·blending
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
- ·stylized portraiture
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplified forms.
- →Struggling with accurate proportions of the figure.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
- →Failing to capture the stylized features of the portrait.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-sized canvas to allow for sufficient detail in the figure and background. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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