plate no. 3952

Self-portrait

oilImpressionismself-portraitportraitmanself-portraitfacehairclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to build form with layers of color and visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in capturing likeness and creating a sense of depth using subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic proportions and placement of the head, shoulders, and facial features.
step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of burnt umber and raw sienna.
step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow on the face and clothing using a limited palette of earth tones and white.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the shapes of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Add layers of color to build up the form and create a sense of depth. Use small, visible brushstrokes to add texture and interest.
step 06
Refine the hair, adding highlights and shadows to create a sense of volume.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a cohesive and harmonious image.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the portrait.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix various shades of brown and beige by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, and white. Use yellow ochre to add warmth to the skin tones. Add small amounts of black to darken shadows.

techniques

·alla prima
·broken color
·scumbling
·dry brushing

common pitfalls

→Overblending the colors, which can result in a flat and lifeless painting.
→Getting the proportions wrong, which can make the portrait look distorted.
→Ignoring the subtle value changes, which can make the face look flat.
→Being too timid with the brushstrokes, which can make the painting look hesitant.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
·Oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, titanium white, yellow ochre, ivory black)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Linseed oil

optional

·medium gloss
·easel
·rags

Use a limited palette of earth tones to capture the warm and muted colors of the original painting. Consider using a toned canvas to create a more unified and harmonious image.

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