plate no. 3058

Self-Portrait

oilExpressionismself-portraitself-portraitfigurewindowplantinteriorarchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand value relationships in a limited palette and how to create a mood through tonal painting. It also provides practice in portraiture and depicting interior spaces.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Establish the darkest values first, using a thin wash of dark gray/black.
step 03
Gradually build up the mid-tones, focusing on the planes of the face and the forms of the plant and architecture.
step 04
Mix lighter values to define the highlights and create contrast.
step 05
Carefully refine the details of the face, such as the eyes and mouth.
step 06
Add the subtle color variations in the plant and the window.
step 07
Adjust the overall values and contrast to achieve the desired mood.
step 08
Add final details and highlights.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · cadmium red light · sap green

Mix various shades of gray by combining black and white. Use raw umber to warm up the grays. Add a touch of red for the window and green for the plant.

techniques