plate no. 2843

Self-Portrait

oilCubismself-portraitfigureportraitbuildingclockhatcityscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice portrait painting with expressive brushstrokes and learn to simplify complex forms into geometric shapes. It also encourages experimentation with color to create a sense of mood and atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and the background buildings.
step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow using a limited palette of warm and cool tones.
step 03
Begin blocking in the larger areas of color, focusing on the overall composition.
step 04
Develop the details of the face, paying attention to the planes and angles.
step 05
Add texture and interest to the clothing and background using expressive brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the edges and contours of the forms, creating a sense of depth and dimension.
step 07
Adjust the colors and values to create a cohesive and harmonious painting.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · ivory black · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green

Mix burnt sienna and ivory black to create a range of warm and cool grays. Use yellow ochre to add warmth to the skin tones. Mix viridian green with ivory black to create the dark greens in the clothing.

techniques

·blocking in
·dry brush
·scumbling
·color mixing
·geometric abstraction

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of form.
→Using too many colors and creating a muddy or chaotic effect.
→Failing to establish a strong sense of light and shadow.
→Not simplifying the forms enough and getting bogged down in unnecessary detail.