Smoking Moor, 1898

This piece by Peder Mørk Mønsted presents a striking profile portrait of a man wrapped in layered, light-toned fabrics, accented by a bold red stripe in his head covering. The loose yet meticulous brushwork highlights the folds of cloth and the glow of the lit cigarette, balancing realism with painterly texture against a subdued background. With the major shapes, values, and proportions already established, this block-in underpainting is ready for you to paint directly on top in oil or acrylic. Use this rolled starter canvas as a springboard to layer color, define your edges and bring the scene to life in your own style.