plate no. 0550

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Alberto da Veiga Guignard, 1955

oilExpressionismself-portraitportraitfigureglassesshirtfaceabstract background

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing, and expressive brushwork. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and understanding color temperature.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, shoulders, and background.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color using thin washes, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Start building up the skin tones, mixing yellows, reds, and whites to achieve the desired hue.
step 04
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, paying attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
step 05
Define the clothing and background with bolder brushstrokes and more saturated colors.
step 06
Refine the edges and details, adding highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Add the glasses and any other small details.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · raw sienna

Mix yellow ochre and white for the skin highlights. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create the cooler tones in the shadows and background. Add small amounts of cadmium red to warm up the skin tones.

techniques