plate no. 7944
Self-portrait
Alice Bailly, 1917
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice simplified form representation and expressive color application. It also provides experience in capturing a likeness with abstract elements.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, palette, and background.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color using thin washes.
- step 03
Gradually build up layers of color, focusing on local color and value.
- step 04
Define the edges of shapes with bolder brushstrokes and contrasting colors.
- step 05
Add details to the face and hands, simplifying features.
- step 06
Refine the color relationships and adjust values to create depth.
- step 07
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall effect.
- step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue
secondary · cadmium red · cadmium yellow · viridian
Mix muted tones by combining complementary colors. Achieve skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and a touch of red and blue.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·simplified form
- ·expressive brushwork
- ·color temperature
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Getting bogged down in detail and losing the overall abstract effect.
- →Not paying attention to the underlying structure of the figure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated and not harmonious.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
- ·apron
Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for expressive brushwork. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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