plate no. 2199

Portrait X

Francis Bacon, 1957

oilExpressionismportraitfigureportraitchairroomdark backgroundseated

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in limited palette mixing, expressive brushwork, and creating a sense of depth with subtle value changes. It also encourages experimentation with distorted and expressive portraiture.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Prepare a canvas with a dark, neutral ground (e.g., black or dark brown).
step 02
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, chair, and the geometric lines of the room.
step 03
Block in the large areas of color for the figure and chair, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 04
Begin to build up the details of the figure's face, using small, expressive brushstrokes to create texture and distortion.
step 05
Refine the details of the chair and clothing, paying attention to the subtle shifts in value and color.
step 06
Add the geometric lines of the room, using a light color to create a sense of depth and perspective.
step 07
Adjust the overall composition, adding highlights and shadows as needed to create a sense of drama and intensity.
step 08
Allow to dry and add a final layer of varnish for protection.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining black, white, and umber. Use small amounts of alizarin crimson and ultramarine blue to create subtle variations in the skin tones and shadows. Yellow ochre can be used to add warmth to the highlights.

techniques