plate no. 2234

Self portrait

Jeanne Hébuterne, 1916

oilExpressionismself-portraitportraitfigurehairfaceclothingdecorative background

some experience helpful

This painting would help students practice portrait proportions and color mixing for skin tones, while developing skills in bold color choices and simplified form representation typical of early 20th century expressionism.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic head and neck proportions with simple geometric shapes
step 02
Block in the large hair mass with burnt sienna and cadmium red
step 03
Establish the face shape with a pale flesh tone base
step 04
Paint the distinctive blue background areas around the figure
step 05
Add the black garment with strong contrast against the pale neck
step 06
Develop facial features with careful attention to the elongated style
step 07
Paint the decorative floral elements in the background
step 08
Refine edges and add final color adjustments

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · cadmium red · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson

Mix warm flesh tones with white, yellow ochre, and touches of alizarin. Create hair colors by combining burnt sienna with cadmium red and touches of black for depth.

techniques