Portrait of the Artist's Father
1819
watercolor
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1819
watercolor
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This is a simple, round portrait of a man with curly hair and a serious look. He’s wearing a dark coat over a light striped shirt with a high collar. The background is just a plain brown circle, so all the focus stays on his face. The artist used watercolor and a little varnish to give it a soft, slightly faded feel. The brushstrokes are gentle, making the colors blend smoothly. Next, look up watercolor, glazing to see how artists build depth with thin layers of paint.