plate no. 3104
Self-portrait
Jury Annenkov, 1910
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to use directional brushstrokes to create form and how to depict strong light and shadow. It will also teach how to simplify complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the basic shapes of the head, shoulders, and facial features.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of light and shadow using thin washes of color.
- step 03
Develop the background with directional brushstrokes, following the contours of the head.
- step 04
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the placement of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 05
Add details such as the cigarette, collar, and any other distinguishing features.
- step 06
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and dimension.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form.
- step 08
Evaluate and make any necessary corrections.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · yellow ochre
secondary · titanium white · raw sienna
Mix burnt umber and ultramarine for the dark areas. Use yellow ochre and white for the highlights. Raw sienna can be used to warm up the skin tones.
techniques
- ·directional brushstrokes
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·color mixing
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →overworking the details
- →getting the proportions wrong
- →not paying attention to the light source
- →muddying the colors
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-grit canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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