plate no. 1497

The Painter Leysans

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfiguretableglovesdark background

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to create dramatic lighting and focus on capturing a likeness through careful observation of values and proportions. It also provides practice in blending skin tones and creating a sense of depth with a limited palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, table, and gloves, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Block in the darkest areas of the background and clothing with a dark, neutral color.
step 03
Establish the main light source and begin to build up the values on the face, hand, and table, focusing on the highlights and shadows.
step 04
Mix skin tones using a limited palette and apply them to the face and hand, blending carefully to create smooth transitions.
step 05
Add the details of the eyes, nose, and mouth, paying close attention to their shape and placement.
step 06
Refine the details of the clothing, table, and gloves, adding subtle highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 07
Add the red color to the lips.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to create a cohesive and expressive portrait.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · burnt umber · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix skin tones by blending white, umber, and small amounts of red and yellow ochre. Use ultramarine blue to cool down the shadows. The table is a mix of white, umber, and a touch of blue.

techniques