plate no. 0095
Self-portrait
Aristarkh Lentulov, 1913
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice simplified form representation and expressive color application. It also encourages observation of light and shadow to define shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure, flowers, and background.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: background, skin tones, clothing, and foliage.
- step 03
Refine the shapes of the facial features, paying attention to proportions.
- step 04
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and volume.
- step 05
Introduce secondary colors and subtle variations within the larger color blocks.
- step 06
Define the details of the flowers and leaves.
- step 07
Add visible brushstrokes to enhance the texture and energy of the painting.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · red-orange · dark blue · yellow · white
secondary · green · purple · pink
Mix red-orange with white for lighter skin tones and clothing. Use blue and red to create the dark background. Mix yellow and blue for greens.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·color mixing
- ·visible brushstrokes
- ·simplified forms
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the expressive brushstrokes.
- →Getting the proportions of the face wrong.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
- →Not establishing a strong value structure early on.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·#2 round brush
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oils)
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·rags
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the visibility of the brushstrokes. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils allow for more blending time.
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