plate no. 8144
The writer
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and creating realistic skin tones, as well as understanding how to create depth and form using subtle value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes: the figure, the table, and the books.
- step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of dark, muted colors.
- step 03
Block in the main value areas of the figure, focusing on the shadows and highlights on the face and hands.
- step 04
Start building up the details of the face, paying attention to the subtle transitions in value and color.
- step 05
Work on the beard, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 06
Paint the clothing and the chair, using darker values and less detail.
- step 07
Add the details of the books and the table, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values as needed to create a sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · viridian
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, ivory black, and titanium white. Use small amounts of yellow ochre and cadmium red light to add warmth to the skin tones. Viridian can be used to create the green hues in the chair.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·value studies
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the subtle transitions in value and color.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, ivory black, titanium white, yellow ochre, cadmium red light, viridian)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-grit canvas will provide a good surface for layering and blending.
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