plate no. 0586

Self-Portrait

Georgi Mashev, 1937

oilRealismself-portraitportraitfigureartistclothingpalettebrush

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice portraiture and capturing likeness, as well as layering and blending techniques to create subtle variations in skin tone and clothing folds. Students can also learn about creating a sense of depth through the use of color and value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch of the figure, paying attention to proportions and placement on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the background, clothing, and skin tones using thin washes.
step 03
Begin to build up the values and details in the face, focusing on the light and shadow patterns.
step 04
Add details to the clothing, paying attention to the folds and textures.
step 05
Paint the palette and brush, capturing the colors and textures.
step 06
Refine the background and add any final details.
step 07
Check proportions and values and make any necessary adjustments.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red light

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Mix skin tones using a combination of white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of blue. Use raw umber and white to create the greyish tones of the coat. Add small amounts of blue to darken shadows.

techniques

·portraiture
·layering
·blending
·color mixing
·value study

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions wrong in the initial sketch.
→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
→Not paying enough attention to the light and shadow patterns.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing them.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Oil paints (raw umber, titanium white, cadmium red light, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, burnt sienna)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Linseed oil
·Rags