plate no. 0352

Self-portrait

Konstantín Korovin, 1938

oil, canvasImpressionismportraitportraitfiguremanbeardsuithead

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and using a limited palette to create depth and form. It also provides practice in loose, expressive brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic proportions and pose of the figure using light pencil lines.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the dark background and shadow areas with a thin wash of dark brown.
step 03
Begin layering in the mid-tones on the face and beard, focusing on the planes and contours.
step 04
Introduce highlights on the forehead, nose, and beard, using thicker paint and lighter values.
step 05
Refine the details of the eyes, nose, and mouth, paying close attention to the subtle shifts in color and value.
step 06
Add the darks of the suit and tie, and the small red detail.
step 07
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to capture the light and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium red · ivory black

Mix various shades of brown and grey by combining burnt umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre to warm up the skin tones. Add a touch of cadmium red for the small detail and subtle warmth in the face.

techniques