plate no. 6754

Self Portrait at Papini's

Jeffrey Smart, 1985

oilContemporary Realismself-portraitfigurebuildingcratesdoorwallself-portrait

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in accurate representation of forms and understanding subtle color variations in seemingly simple subjects. It also encourages careful observation of light and shadow to create depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch of the overall composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, doors, and crates.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the walls, doors, and ground, using simplified shapes.
step 03
Refine the shapes and colors of the crates, paying attention to the lettering and details.
step 04
Start building up the form of the figure, focusing on the proportions and basic shapes of the body.
step 05
Add details to the figure's face and clothing, refining the values and edges.
step 06
Work on the details of the doors and walls, including the textures and imperfections.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of light.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · sap green · pink

Mix various shades of gray and brown for the figure and ground. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue.

techniques