2 Blocking in large shapes

I start by observing the basic shapes of the head, and then block them in. I usually quickly draw in the simple head shapes using burnt sienna and then fill in the simplest light and dark pattern using mid-tone colours. You can also add the darkest darks, such as the hair shape, at this stage.

I paint in the background colour – a combination of burnt sienna, burnt umber and yellow ochre – in this step to isolate the head. Because the model is seated next to a window on his left, I have the left side of his face lit brightly by sunlight. This...