plate no. 3623

Head II

Francis Bacon, 1958

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigurefaceblue backgroundsuit

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and mixing unconventional skin tones. It also encourages a focus on capturing emotion through distortion rather than precise realism.

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 of the head and shoulders, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Block in the background with a solid layer of blue paint.
step 03
Begin applying the base skin tones using a limited palette of pinks, reds, and whites.
step 04
Introduce darker values to define the shadows and contours of the face.
step 05
Use expressive brushstrokes to build up texture and create a sense of movement.
step 06
Add highlights to the face and clothing to create depth.
step 07
Refine the details of the suit and tie, using darker tones for contrast.
step 08
Review the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments to balance the colors and values.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · cadmium red light · raw umber

secondary · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson

Mix various shades of pink by combining red and white, adding small amounts of yellow ochre or raw umber to create warmer or cooler tones. Achieve the blue background by mixing ultramarine blue with white for lighter areas and adding a touch of raw umber for darker areas.

techniques