plate no. 4306
Vlastní Podobizna
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Prepare a toned canvas with a mid-tone gray.
- step 02
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, beard, hand, and background.
- step 03
Establish the darkest darks and lightest lights using thin washes of paint.
- step 04
Begin building up the form by layering values, focusing on the planes of the face and beard.
- step 05
Use thicker paint and visible brushstrokes to create texture in the beard and hair.
- step 06
Refine the details of the eyes, nose, and mouth, paying attention to subtle value changes.
- step 07
Soften edges where needed to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white · raw umber
secondary · burnt umber · payne's gray
Achieve subtle value changes by gradually mixing black and white. Use raw umber and burnt umber to add warmth to the skin tones and beard.
techniques
- ·grisaille
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·value study
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Getting proportions wrong in the initial sketch.
- →Over-blending and losing texture.
- →Failing to establish a strong value range.
- →Ignoring subtle value changes in the face.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·payne's gray oil paint
- ·medium gloss
A pre-toned canvas will save time and help establish the mid-tone value. Use high-quality oil paints for best results.
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