plate no. 4706

Head of a Man (Self-Portrait)

Otto Dix, 1919

oilCubismself-portraitportraitmancubismabstractbuildingscityscape

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to break down complex forms into geometric shapes and use color to create depth and mood. It also encourages experimentation with bold brushstrokes and non-traditional color combinations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the major shapes and forms of the head and background.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the painting using a dark neutral color like burnt umber or black.
step 03
Block in the main color areas, focusing on the large shapes and planes.
step 04
Start adding layers of color, building up the intensity and variation within each shape.
step 05
Use visible brushstrokes to define the edges of the shapes and create texture.
step 06
Pay attention to the light and shadow, using highlights and darks to create depth.
step 07
Refine the details, such as the eyes and mouth, while maintaining the overall abstract style.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the contrast and visual impact.

color palette

primary · red · yellow · blue · black

secondary · green · brown · white

Achieve the various shades of red and brown by mixing red with black and yellow. Create greens by mixing blue and yellow. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques

·broken color
·impasto
·geometric abstraction
·color blocking
·expressive brushwork

common pitfalls

→Over-blending colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
→Losing the geometric structure of the composition.
→Ignoring the importance of value contrast.
→Getting bogged down in details too early.
→Not using enough paint, resulting in a thin, weak painting.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes
·flat brushes
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil (if using oil paints)

optional

·painting medium
·varnish
·easel
·rags

Use a medium-sized canvas (e.g., 16x20 inches) to allow for sufficient detail. Acrylic paints are easier to clean up, while oil paints offer richer colors and blending capabilities.

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