plate no. 8926

Self Portrait

Kazimir Malevich, 1911

gouache, watercolor, paperFauvismself-portraitportraitfiguremanclothingfaceself-portrait

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand color temperature and how to use expressive brushstrokes to define form. It also provides practice in simplifying complex shapes and using color to create mood.

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, shoulders, and facial features.
step 02
Block in the background with a dark, muted color.
step 03
Apply the base skin tone using a mix of yellow, orange, and white.
step 04
Add shadows and highlights to the face using blues, greens, and reds.
step 05
Paint the hair and clothing with dark blues and blacks, paying attention to the shapes.
step 06
Refine the facial features, adding details to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 07
Add final touches and adjustments to the colors and values.
step 08
Allow to dry and consider a varnish.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · burnt umber

Achieve skin tones by mixing yellow ochre, cadmium red, and titanium white. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create dark shadows and background colors. Mix viridian green with yellow ochre for subtle green hues.

techniques