plate no. 3499
Self-portrait
John Bauer, 1908
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering subtle tonal variations. It also provides practice in creating texture with brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head, hat, and shoulders.
- step 02
Establish the main light and shadow areas with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Begin building up the skin tones, focusing on the subtle variations in color and value.
- step 04
Define the features of the face, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 05
Add details to the beard and hair, using small brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 06
Paint the hat, using a combination of light and dark tones to create form.
- step 07
Refine the background, ensuring it complements the portrait.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light · yellow ochre
Mix burnt umber and ultramarine blue for the darker shadows. Use raw sienna and a touch of cadmium red light for the warmer skin tones. Add ivory black to darken colors and create depth.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·portrait sketching
- ·tonal layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
- →Using too much paint, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in color and value.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brush (size 8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·odorless mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use a canvas with a smooth surface for easier blending. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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