plate no. 8250

The drinker

oilRealismgenre paintingfiguremantableglassjacketinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly capturing the likeness and emotion of the subject, as well as understanding how to depict realistic textures and lighting in a dimly lit environment. Students will also learn how to create a focal point through value contrast and composition.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes and proportions of the figure, table, and background.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the dark background and the lighter areas of the figure and table.
step 03
Start refining the facial features, paying close attention to the subtle variations in skin tone and the play of light and shadow.
step 04
Develop the texture of the jacket and clothing, using broken brushstrokes and varying paint thickness.
step 05
Add details to the table, glass, and other objects, focusing on their form and how they interact with the light.
step 06
Refine the edges and transitions between different areas of the painting, softening or sharpening them as needed.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments to ensure a cohesive and balanced image.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · raw sienna · ivory black · alizarin crimson

Achieve the skin tones by mixing burnt umber, yellow ochre, and titanium white, with small amounts of alizarin crimson for warmth. The jacket color can be achieved by mixing yellow ochre with burnt umber and a touch of white. Darken colors with ivory black and lighten with titanium white.

techniques