plate no. 3672

Self-portrait

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)self-portraitportraitfiguresfoliagetreesbeardclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing for skin tones and foliage, and using visible brushstrokes to create texture and form. It also provides practice in capturing the likeness of a subject and creating a sense of depth through layering.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and the main elements of the background.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by applying thin washes of color to the background, creating a base layer for the foliage.
step 03
Begin building up the skin tones of the figures, using a limited palette of warm and cool colors to create highlights and shadows.
step 04
Define the features of the faces, paying close attention to the shapes of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Add details to the clothing, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture and form.
step 06
Develop the foliage in the background, using a variety of greens, yellows, and browns to create depth and interest.
step 07
Refine the details of the figures and the background, adding highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · viridian · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium yellow · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson

Mix various shades of green by combining viridian with cadmium yellow and white. Create skin tones by blending yellow ochre, burnt umber, alizarin crimson, and white. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create dark shades for hair and clothing.

techniques