plate no. 8188

The Suitor

Charles Blackman, 1958

oilExpressionismportraitfigureportraithatsuitflowersshadow

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms and using expressive brushstrokes to convey mood and texture. It also provides practice in creating depth through value contrasts and color temperature.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, hat, and background.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the background, using a mix of grays and blues.
step 03
Establish the darkest values of the suit and hat, paying attention to the shadow areas.
step 04
Begin to refine the facial features, focusing on the planes of the face and the play of light and shadow.
step 05
Add the details of the tie and flowers, using small brushstrokes and pops of color.
step 06
Develop the texture of the background with visible brushstrokes, varying the direction and pressure.
step 07
Refine the edges of the figure and hat, softening some and leaving others sharp.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · payne's gray · ivory black · titanium white · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · purple

Mix various shades of gray by combining black and white, and adjust the temperature by adding small amounts of blue or yellow ochre. Use red and blue to create the purple for the flowers.

techniques

·dry brush
·scumbling
·color mixing
·value studies
·expressive brushwork

common pitfalls

→overworking the details
→muddying the colors
→losing the overall composition
→not paying attention to the light source

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes
·flat brushes
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil (if using oils)

optional

·painting medium
·varnish
·easel

Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the brushstroke visibility. Acrylics are faster drying and easier to clean, while oils allow for more blending and subtle color transitions.

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