plate no. 0926

Self-Portrait

Jose Pancetti, 1952

oilPost-Impressionismself-portraitportraitmanhatself-portraitfigure

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying forms and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive portrait. It also encourages observation of subtle value changes within larger color blocks.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head, hat, and shoulders, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Block in the background with a light, warm color, varying the tones slightly.
step 03
Establish the main areas of color for the face, hat, and shirt using simplified shapes.
step 04
Mix and apply the darker tones to define the shadows on the face and hat.
step 05
Add highlights to the face and shirt to create dimension.
step 06
Refine the details of the eyes, nose, and mouth, keeping the overall style simple.
step 07
Adjust the colors and values throughout the painting to create a harmonious balance.
step 08
Add final touches and details to the hat and shirt.

color palette

primary · red · green · ochre · brown

secondary · white · orange · grey

Mix skin tones by blending ochre, red, brown, and white. Achieve the green hat color by mixing blue and yellow, and adjust with brown for a muted tone. The background is a mix of ochre, white, and a touch of red.

techniques