plate no. 0636

Algernon Talmage

oilImpressionismself-portraitportraitfiguremanclothingprofilehands

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing for skin tones, and capturing light and shadow with visible brushstrokes. It's a good exercise in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, shoulders, and hands.
step 02
Block in the background with broad strokes of dark and light browns and yellows.
step 03
Establish the main areas of light and shadow on the face and clothing using a limited palette of skin tones.
step 04
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the subtle shifts in color and value.
step 05
Add details to the hands and clothing, suggesting texture with varied brushstrokes.
step 06
Soften edges and blend colors where needed to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create depth.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt umber · yellow ochre · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · ivory black

Mix skin tones by blending white, yellow ochre, cadmium red, and a touch of burnt umber. Use ultramarine blue and ivory black to create cooler shadows. Vary the proportions to achieve different skin tones.

techniques