plate no. 1416

The Typographer (Pedro)

Amedeo Modigliani, 1909

oil, canvasExpressionismportraitportraitfiguremanclothingfacehead

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to use color temperature to create form and how to simplify complex subjects into basic shapes and brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the background with a mix of blues, varying the tones slightly.
step 03
Establish the main areas of light and shadow on the face using orange and brown tones.
step 04
Define the features of the face, paying attention to the angles and planes.
step 05
Paint the clothing using dark blues and blacks, leaving visible brushstrokes.
step 06
Add highlights to the face and clothing to create depth.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed.
step 08
Add final touches and let it dry.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · raw umber

secondary · titanium white · cadmium orange

Mix burnt sienna and ultramarine blue to create the darker tones in the clothing and background. Use cadmium orange and white to create the highlights on the face.

techniques

·blocking in
·color mixing
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the expressive brushstrokes.
→Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
→Not paying attention to the proportions of the face.
→Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·oil paints (ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, raw umber, titanium white, cadmium orange)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (flat and round)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·rags