plate no. 9310

Young Breton

Moise Kisling, 1931

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismportraitportraitfigureboyclothingredhair

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and creating realistic skin tones through layering and blending. Students will also learn to simplify forms and create a sense of depth using subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 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: background, skin, clothing.
step 03
Establish the darkest and lightest values to create a sense of form.
step 04
Begin layering and blending colors to create smooth transitions and realistic skin tones.
step 05
Pay close attention to the subtle shifts in color and value in the face to capture the likeness.
step 06
Refine the details of the clothing and hair, adding highlights and shadows.
step 07
Adjust the background to create depth and contrast.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · cadmium red · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of brown for the jacket by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a small amount of blue for shadows.

techniques

·blending
·layering
·scumbling
·color mixing
·value studies

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.
→Ignoring the subtle shifts in color and value in the skin tones.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·oil paints (burnt umber, cadmium red, titanium white, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits