plate no. 2142

The Ember (Italian Immigrant)

Leon Underwood, 1926

oilExpressionismportraitfigureportraitdraperyseatedelderlyhands

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice portraiture and drapery techniques, focusing on capturing form through light and shadow. Students can develop skills in color mixing to achieve the warm, earthy tones and rendering the folds and textures of the fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, paying attention to the overall composition.
step 02
Establish the main light source and map out the areas of light and shadow with a thin wash of burnt umber.
step 03
Begin layering in the base colors for the skin, drapery, and background, focusing on the overall color harmony.
step 04
Develop the form of the figure by adding highlights and shadows, blending the edges to create smooth transitions.
step 05
Refine the details of the face, hands, and drapery, paying attention to the subtle variations in color and texture.
step 06
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the sense of depth and realism.
step 07
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Mix burnt umber and raw sienna with white for the skin tones, varying the proportions to create highlights and shadows. Add touches of cadmium red for warmth and ultramarine blue to darken shadows.

techniques