plate no. 2324

Self-Portrait

oilSurrealismself-portraitself-portraitfigureinterioreaselartistwoman

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, figure drawing, and rendering realistic skin tones and textures. It also provides practice in creating depth and perspective within an interior scene.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and objects.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and areas of color using thin washes of paint.
step 03
Begin to develop the values and details of the figures, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Work on the background elements, such as the room, doorway, and easel, gradually adding detail and texture.
step 05
Refine the skin tones and facial features of the self-portrait, using layering and blending techniques.
step 06
Add the final details, such as the brush, palette, and clothing.
step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and value relationships to create a cohesive and balanced painting.
step 08
Varnish the painting to protect it and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt umber · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light

Mix various shades of skin tones using white, umber, ochre, and small amounts of red and blue. Achieve the cool tones in the background with white and blue.

techniques