plate no. 3859

Self portrait

Henry Tonks, 1909

oilImpressionismself-portraitfigureportraitinteriorchairwindowcurtains

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering form with subtle value changes. It also provides practice in depicting interior spaces and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure and key elements.
step 02
Establish the main light source and shadow areas with a thin wash of neutral color.
step 03
Block in the large shapes of the figure, chair, and background with simplified color masses.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the subtle value changes that define the form.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, chair, and background, focusing on textures and patterns.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the edges and details, ensuring a cohesive and harmonious composition.
step 08
Add final glazes to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining ivory black, raw umber, and burnt sienna with white. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red light sparingly to add warmth to the skin tones and fabrics.

techniques