plate no. 1800

In Front of the Easel (Self-portrait)

George Stefanescu, 1960

oil, canvasCubismself-portraitportraitself-portraitfigurepalettepaintingeasel

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering paint with visible brushstrokes and simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes. It also encourages exploration of color mixing to achieve subtle variations in skin tones and fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, easel, and background painting.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, establishing the overall color scheme.
step 03
Begin layering thicker paint, using visible brushstrokes to define the forms and create texture.
step 04
Mix and apply subtle variations in skin tones, paying attention to the light and shadow on the face.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, using short, directional brushstrokes to create the folds and drapery.
step 06
Paint the background painting with simplified shapes and colors, maintaining a sense of depth.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the figure and objects.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed to achieve a cohesive and expressive final result.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt umber · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium yellow · viridian green · yellow ochre

Mix white with small amounts of red, yellow, and blue to create various skin tones. Combine blue and yellow to achieve different shades of green. Use burnt umber to create shadows and muted tones.

techniques