plate no. 6671

Myxomatosis (Self-Portrait in a Mirror)

Patrick Procktor, 1977

oilExpressionismself-portraitportraitself-portraitfiguremirrorframe

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing for skin tones, and creating a sense of depth through layering and subtle value changes. It also provides practice in rendering textures and details with watercolor.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the outline of the portrait, frame, and main features.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted blue for the background within the frame.
step 03
Begin layering skin tones with light washes of pinks, yellows, and browns, building up shadows gradually.
step 04
Paint the eyes, paying attention to the highlights and subtle color variations.
step 05
Add details to the hair, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Paint the clothing and jacket, using darker values to create depth.
step 07
Carefully paint the black frame, ensuring crisp edges and consistent tone.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to the portrait and frame.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · alizarin crimson · ivory black · sap green

Mix skin tones using burnt sienna, yellow ochre, alizarin crimson, and white. Use ultramarine blue and burnt sienna to create a neutral black for the frame.

techniques

·watercolor washes
·dry brush
·layering
·glazing
·color mixing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the watercolor and losing transparency.
→Using too much water and causing the colors to bleed uncontrollably.
→Not allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next.
→Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·watercolor paints
·watercolor brushes (round and flat)
·watercolor paper (140lb)
·palette
·water container
·pencil
·eraser
·masking tape

optional

·palette knife
·watercolor pencils
·ruler

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and ensure good color absorption. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve various effects.

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