plate no. 4908

Self-Portrait

Jose de Almada-Negreiros, 1928

oilExpressionismself-portraitportraitfiguremanheadfacehair

suitable for beginners

Recreating this drawing will help students develop skills in proportion, shading, and capturing a likeness with simple lines and tonal values. It's a good exercise in simplifying a complex subject.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch of the overall head shape and basic proportions.
step 02
Establish the center line and key landmarks (eyes, nose, mouth).
step 03
Refine the shapes of the facial features, paying attention to angles and curves.
step 04
Start adding shading to define the form, focusing on areas of shadow.
step 05
Develop the hair using short, directional strokes to create texture.
step 06
Soften edges and blend tones to create a smooth transition between light and shadow.
step 07
Add details to the eyes and other features to bring the portrait to life.
step 08
Adjust the overall values and contrast to achieve a balanced and expressive result.