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home·artworks·Dark Self-Portrait
Dark Self-Portrait by Vajda Lajos

plate no. 5484

Dark Self-Portrait

Vajda Lajos, 1935

oilExpressionismself-portraitportraitfigureself-portraitmansuittie
some experience helpful

This painting is good for practicing simplified form and limited color palettes. Students can focus on achieving a likeness with minimal detail and expressive brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head, neck, shoulders, and suit.

  2. step 02

    Block in the background with a thin layer of blue paint, allowing some texture to show through.

  3. step 03

    Mix a dark green color for the face and neck, and apply it in broad strokes.

  4. step 04

    Add the brown color for the hair, blending it slightly into the forehead.

  5. step 05

    Paint the white shirt and black suit, paying attention to the angles and shapes.

  6. step 06

    Add the red tie, using a slightly brighter red for highlights.

  7. step 07

    Refine the edges and add subtle details to the face and suit.

  8. step 08

    Allow to dry and add a thin glaze of blue to unify the background.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Dark Green · Red

secondary · Titanium White · Burnt Umber

The dark green is likely a mix of Prussian Blue and Burnt Umber. The red can be lightened with white for highlights.

techniques

  • ·Blocking in
  • ·Dry brushing
  • ·Limited palette
  • ·Simplified form

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details
  • →Using too many colors
  • →Losing the expressive brushwork
  • →Incorrect proportions

materials

surface · Stretched canvas

required

  • ·Stretched canvas
  • ·Acrylic or oil paints
  • ·Round brushes
  • ·Flat brushes
  • ·Palette
  • ·Palette knife

optional

  • ·Medium (for oil paints)
  • ·Easel

Use a canvas with some texture to enhance the brushwork. Acrylics will dry faster, but oils allow for more blending.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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