Step 10: Halftones in Lower
Third of Face |
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The Halftones
(Steps 9 through 13)
• Now we come to the most important portion of the painting.
The halftones and the lights occupy all of the light-struck
planes of the head. Each area of tone must be judged for value
(how dark or how light is it?), for hue (what color is it?),
and for intensity (how saturated with color is it?), and then
placed correctly on the painting (this is drawing).
• The halftones should be regarded as a "mosaic"
of tones — that is, a collection of separate "pieces"
of tone, each requring its own decisions. Try not to consciously
blend the tones at this point. The painting will be stronger
and more "architectural" if the "chips of the
mosaic" are allowed to stand independently. Naturally,
since the paint is wet, some flowing between tones will occur. |
Hover to zoom final painting |
| This is one of the most difficult stages of the
portrait, so plunge right in and tackle it! The complex halftones
that give character to the lower portion of the face need to
be carefully studied and painted. The key is to do it as simply
as possible. No details at this stage! The halftones in the
lower third of the face are the most difficult part of the portrait.
These subtle forms provide a major portion of the 'expression'
of the face, which is crucial both to the likeness and the emotional
quality of the portrait. |
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