Step 25: Paint Nose Details |
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Particularize
(Steps 22 through 29)
Now the time has come to turn a painting into a portrait. Up
until now you have been striving to state the broad generalities
of the subject — the "big truths." Now you will
concentrate on small specifics — the details of the eyes
nose and mouth. We call this final step "particularizing." |
Hover to zoom final painting |
Almost always the nostril requires continued
re-stating to maintain the clarity and precision of this detail.
Use a very dark color to achieve this — usually burnt umber
plus alizarin crimson. The nose is ordinarily quite warm — but
don't paint it red. A crisp edge to the shadow gives definition.
One of the amazing things about John Singer Sargent's work is
the great simplicity of the painting of the features. A beginner
loads in excessive detail. The professional looks for the big,
fundamental shape, and expresses it as economically as possible. |
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