plate no. 7214
Three heads, faith
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and expression through subtle value changes, as well as layering techniques for creating depth in the background landscape.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions of the figure and the placement of key elements.
- step 02
Establish the background landscape with thin washes of color, creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, paying attention to the overall value structure.
- step 04
Begin refining the facial features, focusing on capturing the likeness and expression of the subject.
- step 05
Develop the details of the beard and hair, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and volume.
- step 06
Add details to the hands and the object they are holding, paying attention to the interplay of light and shadow.
- step 07
Refine the clothing, adding folds and wrinkles to create a sense of realism.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition, ensuring that all elements work together harmoniously.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ivory black
Achieve the skin tones by mixing raw umber, titanium white, and a touch of yellow ochre. Use ultramarine blue and white to create the cool tones in the sky and snow.
techniques
- ·portrait painting
- ·glazing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the face wrong.
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth in the background.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints (raw umber, titanium white, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, ivory black)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the mixing process.
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