plate no. 0029

Head IV

Francis Bacon, 1961

oilExpressionismportraitportraitheadfiguredark backgroundexpressionism

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and color mixing to create distorted and emotional portraits. It also encourages experimentation with applying paint in unconventional ways.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Prepare a canvas with a dark, neutral ground.
step 02
Lightly sketch the basic outline of the head, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 03
Begin blocking in the darkest areas of the background and figure with dark greens and browns.
step 04
Start applying the lighter flesh tones using a limited palette of white, red, and blue, focusing on capturing the distorted shapes.
step 05
Use bold, visible brushstrokes to create texture and movement in the face.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to define the form and enhance the dramatic effect.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed, paying attention to the overall mood and atmosphere.
step 08
Allow to dry and add a varnish layer.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · viridian green · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of flesh tones by combining white, red, and a touch of blue. Use black and green to create the dark background and shadows.

techniques

·dry brush
·scumbling
·alla prima
·expressive brushwork
·color layering

common pitfalls

→Over-blending the colors, losing the raw, expressive quality.
→Being too precise with the initial sketch, hindering the spontaneous application of paint.
→Not achieving enough contrast between the light and dark areas.
→Using too many colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·oil paints (ivory black, titanium white, cadmium red, viridian green, ultramarine blue)
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·rags