plate no. 7510
The father of the painter Georg Raab
August von Pettenkofen, 1847
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering form with loose brushstrokes. It also provides practice in creating a limited palette and achieving subtle value transitions.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic proportions and pose of the figure.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the background, clothing, and skin tones.
- step 04
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
- step 05
Develop the details of the clothing and background, using loose, expressive brushstrokes.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Adjust the overall composition and color balance.
- step 08
Add final details and refine edges.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white
secondary · ivory black · cadmium red light
Mix various shades of brown and beige by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, and white. Add small amounts of black or red to adjust the color temperature.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
- ·value studies
- ·portrait sketching
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive quality.
- →Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
- →Ignoring the importance of value contrast.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a medium-grit canvas to allow for texture. Consider toning the canvas with a thin wash of burnt umber before starting.
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