plate no. 9953

Self-Portrait

Elaine de Kooning, 1946

oilExpressionismself-portraitfigureinteriorchairbookstill lifeself-portrait

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing a likeness with simplified forms and understanding how to create a sense of depth using color and value relationships within a limited palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the main shapes and proportions of the figure and the surrounding objects.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure of the painting.
step 03
Refine the shapes and details of the figure, paying attention to the planes of the face and the folds of the clothing.
step 04
Add the details of the background, including the objects on the shelves and the patterns on the wall hanging.
step 05
Mix and apply subtle color variations to create depth and dimension.
step 06
Use visible brushstrokes to add texture and energy to the painting.
step 07
Pay attention to the highlights and shadows to create a sense of form.
step 08
Add final details and adjust colors as needed.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

Mix yellow ochre and raw umber with white to create the various shades of the background and figure. Burnt sienna can be added to warm up the skin tones and chair. A touch of ultramarine blue can be used to cool down the shadows.

techniques