plate no. 7760
The Madman and the Soldier
Lajos Gulacsy, 1911
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly capturing expressions, and using a limited palette to create a cohesive and slightly muted atmosphere. It also encourages loose, expressive brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main figures and the basic landscape elements (horizon line, building).
- step 02
Establish the background colors with thin washes of greens, browns, and yellows.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures using simplified color blocks.
- step 04
Start refining the facial features of the main figures, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 05
Add details to the clothing, focusing on the folds and textures.
- step 06
Develop the background further, adding suggestion of trees and foliage.
- step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · burnt sienna
secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre · ivory black
Achieve the muted tones by mixing the primary colors with small amounts of black and white. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
- ·portraiture
- ·expressive brushwork
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early.
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Losing the looseness and spontaneity of the original.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for better paint adhesion and texture.
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