plate no. 9692

Autoportrait

Goran Margetic, 2020

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfiguremanself-portraitfaceclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to use color temperature and visible brushstrokes to create form and depth. It also provides practice in capturing a likeness and expressing emotion through portraiture.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic proportions and placement of the head, shoulders, and facial features using a light pencil.
step 02
Establish the dark background with a thin layer of dark blue/black paint.
step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow on the face and clothing with broad strokes, focusing on value rather than detail.
step 04
Begin layering colors within the light and shadow areas, using a variety of warm and cool tones to create depth and dimension.
step 05
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the shapes and angles of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Add details to the clothing, such as the collar and tie, using visible brushstrokes to create texture.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to create a sense of harmony and visual interest.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to the face and clothing to complete the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · alizarin crimson · purple

Mix skin tones by combining yellow ochre, burnt umber, and titanium white, adding small amounts of cadmium red or alizarin crimson for warmth. Achieve shadows by mixing burnt umber with ultramarine blue and a touch of alizarin crimson.

techniques

·alla prima
·broken color
·scumbling
·color layering
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Over-blending the colors, resulting in a muddy or flat appearance.
→Focusing too much on detail early on, before establishing the overall value structure.
→Ignoring the subtle color variations within the light and shadow areas.
→Creating harsh lines or edges that detract from the overall softness of the painting.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
·Oil paints (yellow ochre, burnt umber, ultramarine blue, titanium white, cadmium red, alizarin crimson)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Linseed oil
·Palette knife