plate no. 6367
Untitled (Portrait of A Gentleman)
Beauford Delaney, 1945
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice impasto techniques and learn how to build form with thick layers of paint. It also provides an opportunity to explore color mixing and expressive brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure on the canvas.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color using thin washes.
- step 03
Start building up the background with thick impasto strokes, varying the colors slightly.
- step 04
Add layers of paint to the face, focusing on capturing the light and shadow.
- step 05
Define the details of the clothing, using a palette knife to create texture.
- step 06
Refine the features of the face, paying attention to the eyes and mouth.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Apply final touches and adjustments to the painting.
color palette
primary · ivory black · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · viridian green
Mix various shades of brown and black for the background and clothing. Use white to lighten the skin tones and add highlights. Mix greens and blues for the clothing and background details.
techniques
- ·impasto
- ·palette knife application
- ·color layering
- ·expressive brushwork
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
- →Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
- →Ignoring the importance of light and shadow.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette
- ·rags
- ·turpentine
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-sized canvas (16x20 or larger) is recommended.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
related artworks
Dolly Sisters
Kees van Dongen
Nude with Loaves
Jean Helion
My Father
Carlos Botelho
Helen
Chronis Botsoglou
The portrait painter in the country
Albin Egger-Lienz
Marketta on Lázeňská street, Prague
Maria Bozoky
Winter at the Entrepotdok, in Amsterdam city
Paul Werner
Old Woman with Masks (Theatre of Masks)
James Ensor