
plate no. 6885
This painting provides a good opportunity to practice simplified portraiture and capturing textures with visible brushstrokes. Students can learn to create depth using value contrast and a limited color palette.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Lightly sketch the circular format and the basic shapes of the figure, hat, and pipe.
Block in the background with a thin wash of yellow and green.
Establish the dark values of the hat, beard, and jacket using a mix of black and brown.
Paint the face using white, grey, and small amounts of yellow for highlights.
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using darker tones.
Paint the pipe and smoke using white and grey.
Add the text using black paint, paying attention to the letter shapes.
Apply final touches and adjust values as needed to create depth and contrast.
color palette
primary · yellow · black · white
secondary · brown · grey · green
Mix yellow and green for the background. Use black and brown to create various shades of grey for the figure. Add small amounts of yellow to white for skin tones.
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · Stretched canvas or round panel
required
optional
Use a canvas with a slightly rough texture to enhance the brushwork. Acrylics are easier for beginners, but oils allow for more blending.
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