plate no. 0770
Self-Portrait
M. H. Maxy, 1932
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to break down complex forms into geometric shapes and use color to define planes and create depth. It also encourages experimentation with juxtaposing different elements in a surreal style.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the geometric breakdown of the face and landscape.
- step 02
Block in the largest areas of color, starting with the background and working forward.
- step 03
Define the planes of the face with distinct color variations, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 04
Add details to the landscape elements, such as trees, water, and figure, using simplified forms.
- step 05
Refine the edges of the shapes to create a sense of depth and dimension.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the contrast and create a more dynamic composition.
- step 07
Check the overall balance of the painting and make any necessary adjustments.
- step 08
Add final details and touch-ups to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · sap green · cadmium yellow
Mix ochre with white for lighter skin tones. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create various shades of gray and brown for the landscape. Add small amounts of cadmium yellow to ochre for warmer highlights.
techniques
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·planar analysis
- ·color blocking
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending the colors, which can flatten the image.
- →Losing the geometric structure of the composition.
- →Ignoring the value contrasts, which can make the painting appear dull.
- →Getting bogged down in details too early.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·sap green oil paint
- ·cadmium yellow oil paint
- ·assorted flat brushes
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·easel
Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for better paint adhesion and brushwork visibility. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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