plate no. 1673

Writer Hans Jaeger

oil, canvasExpressionismportraitportraitfiguremanchairtablehat

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, capturing likeness, and using a limited palette to create subtle variations in color and value. It also provides practice in depicting textures and creating a sense of depth through layering.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure and key elements.
step 02
Establish the background with broad, loose strokes, focusing on the overall value and color.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, paying attention to the light and shadow patterns.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, focusing on capturing the likeness and expression.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing and chair, adding texture and subtle color variations.
step 06
Paint the table and glass, paying attention to reflections and highlights.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Burnt Umber · Titanium White

secondary · Yellow Ochre · Raw Sienna

Mix Prussian Blue and Burnt Umber to create the various shades of blue and gray in the clothing and chair. Use Yellow Ochre and Raw Sienna to create the warm tones in the skin and background. White is used to lighten the colors and create highlights.

techniques

·Blocking in
·Layering
·Dry brushing
·Scumbling
·Limited palette

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
→Using too many colors, resulting in a muddy or chaotic painting.
→Ignoring the importance of value contrast in creating depth and form.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Oil paints (Prussian Blue, Burnt Umber, Titanium White, Yellow Ochre, Raw Sienna)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags