plate no. 5468
Self-Portrait
Ion Theodorescu-Sion, 1925
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing, and creating depth through layering and color variations. It will also provide practice in capturing a likeness and conveying a mood.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the overall composition.
- step 03
Begin to refine the facial features, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 04
Add details to the hair and beard, using short, broken strokes.
- step 05
Develop the background elements, using simplified shapes and colors.
- step 06
Refine the details of the clothing and staff.
- step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and contrast.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights.
color palette
primary · red-brown · green-gray · flesh tones
secondary · blue · yellow · white
Achieve the skin tones by mixing red, yellow, and white with small amounts of blue or green for shadows. The green-gray is a mix of green, black, and white. The red-brown of the hair and beard is a mix of red, brown, and a touch of orange.
techniques
- ·color layering
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·portraiture
- ·simplified background
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the face wrong.
- →Overworking the details.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the overall composition.
- →Not creating enough depth in the background.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retarder
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils will allow for more blending time.
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