plate no. 6661

Head of a Man - Study of a Drawing by Van Gogh

Francis Bacon, 1959

oil, canvasExpressionismportraitportraitheadfigureexpressionism

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice expressive brushstrokes and layering colors to create form and emotion. Students can learn to simplify complex forms into bold, gestural marks.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic head shape and features with light pencil lines.
step 02
Apply a dark green base layer to the entire canvas.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color (red, orange, blue) with thick brushstrokes, following the contours of the face.
step 04
Add highlights and shadows using white and darker shades of green.
step 05
Blend some areas to soften edges, but leave many brushstrokes visible.
step 06
Define the eyes and other key features with dark paint.
step 07
Add final touches and details to enhance the expression.
step 08
Let dry and add a varnish for protection.

color palette

primary · viridian green · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · titanium white · ivory black

Mix greens by combining viridian green with yellow ochre and black. Achieve skin tones by blending red, yellow ochre, and white. Use black sparingly for shadows.

techniques

·impasto
·expressive brushstrokes
·color layering
·scumbling
·dry brushing

common pitfalls

→Over-blending and losing the texture.
→Getting the proportions wrong in the initial sketch.
→Using too much black, which can make the painting look muddy.
→Not capturing the emotional intensity of the subject.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Oil paints (viridian green, cadmium red, yellow ochre, titanium white, ivory black)
·Assorted brushes (flat and round)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Rags