plate no. 6172

Self-Portrait

Max Gubler, 1952

oilExpressionismself-portraitportraitfigureself-portraitpersonclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and layering colors to create form. It also provides practice in capturing a likeness using simplified shapes and colors.

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 background.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color with thin washes, focusing on the overall tones.
step 03
Begin layering thicker paint to define the facial features, using short, expressive brushstrokes.
step 04
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, paying attention to the folds and textures.
step 06
Refine the background, using similar brushstrokes and colors to create a sense of unity.
step 07
Add final touches and adjust the colors as needed.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely.

color palette

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

secondary · burnt umber · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Mix white with small amounts of red, blue, and yellow to create the skin tones. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber for the background. Mix blue and white for the shirt.

techniques