plate no. 1361
Self-Portrait at Saint-Saveur
Frederic Bazille, 1868
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will develop skills in capturing light and shadow with loose brushstrokes and mixing muted colors to create a harmonious palette. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and then the figure.
- step 03
Establish the main areas of light and shadow on the figure's face, hair, and clothing.
- step 04
Refine the shapes and details of the figure, paying attention to the contours and edges.
- step 05
Add details to the background, such as the trees and building, using loose brushstrokes.
- step 06
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 07
Add final highlights and details to the figure's face and hair.
- step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · viridian green · ivory black
Mix burnt umber and white for the skin tones, adding touches of yellow ochre for warmth. Use viridian green and white for the background, muting the color with burnt umber.
techniques
- ·alla prima
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·implied lines
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of light and shadow.
- →Getting bogged down in details too early in the process.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·viridian green oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (flat and round)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·easel
Use a canvas with a medium texture to allow for expressive brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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