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home·artworks·Self Portrait
Self Portrait by Henri Martin

plate no. 4862

Self Portrait

Henri Martin

oilDivisionismself-portraitportraitmanfigurebeardclothingself-portrait

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, shoulders, and background.

  2. step 02

    Establish the overall color scheme by applying thin washes of color to the background and main areas of the portrait.

  3. step 03

    Begin building up layers of broken color using small, distinct brushstrokes, focusing on the face first.

  4. step 04

    Pay close attention to the subtle color variations in the skin tones, using a mix of warm and cool colors.

  5. step 05

    Define the features of the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, with careful attention to detail.

  6. step 06

    Add details to the hair, beard, and clothing, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and depth.

  7. step 07

    Refine the background by adding more layers of broken color and adjusting the values to create a sense of depth.

  8. step 08

    Make final adjustments to the overall composition, ensuring that the colors and values are balanced and harmonious.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · raw sienna

Achieve skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, cadmium red, and titanium white, with small amounts of ultramarine blue or burnt umber to create shadows. The background is a mix of greens, yellows, and browns.

techniques

  • ·broken color
  • ·pointillism
  • ·scumbling
  • ·color layering
  • ·portraiture

common pitfalls

  • →Over-blending the colors, which will result in a flat, lifeless appearance.
  • →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the skin tones.
  • →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
  • →Getting lost in the details and losing sight of the overall composition.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas 16x20
  • ·oil paints
  • ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
  • ·palette
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
  • ·palette knife
  • ·rags

optional

  • ·medium gloss
  • ·easel
  • ·mahl stick

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A limited palette will encourage color mixing skills.

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