plate no. 6403

Harlequin and Pierrot, double self-portrait

Serge Sudeikin, 1927

gouache, cardboardExpressionismself-portraitfiguresportraitstablecardsclothingfoliage

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and rendering skin tones with limited color variations. It also provides practice in depicting fabric folds and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, starting with the darkest values.
step 03
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Develop the details of the clothing, including the folds and textures.
step 05
Add the background foliage, using loose brushstrokes.
step 06
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add the details of the cards and other objects on the table.
step 08
Refine the edges and add any final touches.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · sap green · yellow ochre

Skin tones are achieved by mixing raw umber, cadmium red, and titanium white. Darker areas use ivory black mixed with raw umber. Greens are created by mixing sap green with yellow ochre and ivory black.

techniques