plate no. 5334

Self-Portrait

oilPost-Impressionismself-portraitportraitfigureglassesself-portraitheadclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and practice mixing skin tones using a limited palette. It also provides practice in capturing a likeness with expressive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, shoulders, and glasses.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin wash of yellow ochre.
step 03
Establish the darkest values in the hair, clothing, and shadows on the face using burnt umber.
step 04
Mix a range of skin tones using burnt sienna, yellow ochre, and white, and apply them in broad strokes.
step 05
Refine the shapes of the facial features, paying attention to the placement of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Add highlights to the face, clothing, and glasses using lighter tones of yellow ochre and white.
step 07
Use short, broken brushstrokes to create texture and detail in the hair and clothing.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to create a sense of depth and realism.