plate no. 9704

Portrait of Lucian Freud

Francis Bacon, 1951

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfiguredoorwayshadowinteriorman

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork, capturing a likeness with minimal detail, and creating atmosphere through value contrasts. It also encourages exploration of non-traditional portraiture.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition: the figure, doorway, and floor planes.
step 02
Block in the large areas of dark background and the yellow floor with thin washes.
step 03
Establish the figure's basic form with dark tones, focusing on the overall shape and proportions.
step 04
Add highlights to the face and hands, using thick, expressive brushstrokes.
step 05
Define the doorway and column with loose, gestural marks.
step 06
Create the shadows on the floor, paying attention to their shape and direction.
step 07
Refine the details of the figure's clothing, using a combination of wet-on-wet and dry brush techniques.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust values as needed to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ivory black · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

Mix the floor color by combining yellow ochre with a touch of white and burnt umber. Achieve the dark tones by mixing ivory black with ultramarine blue and burnt umber. Use white to create highlights and lighter values.

techniques