plate no. 7555
The Mathematician
Diego Rivera, 1918
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and mood through subtle tonal variations and brushwork. It also provides practice in rendering textures and creating depth using a limited color palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions of the figure and the placement of the table and canvas.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the dark and light areas with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Begin building up the form of the figure, paying close attention to the planes of the face and the folds of the clothing.
- step 04
Develop the background, using subtle variations in tone and texture to create depth.
- step 05
Paint the table and books, focusing on the highlights and shadows to create a sense of volume.
- step 06
Add the geometric shapes on the canvas in the background, using a light touch.
- step 07
Refine the details of the face, paying attention to the eyes and mouth.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall effect.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw umber · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · ivory black
Achieve the muted tones by mixing umbers with white and small amounts of red or black. Use yellow ochre to create highlights and warmth.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in tone and texture.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-grit canvas for a slightly textured surface. Consider using a toned canvas to simplify the underpainting process.
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