plate no. 5899
Self-portrait
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to build form with visible brushstrokes and mix realistic skin tones. It also provides practice in capturing a likeness and conveying expression.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head and facial features.
- step 02
Establish the background with broad strokes of muted gray and brown.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow on the face using a limited palette of skin tones.
- step 04
Begin to refine the facial features, paying close attention to the shapes of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 05
Add details to the hair, mustache, and clothing, using smaller brushstrokes.
- step 06
Develop the form of the face further by layering and blending colors.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Refine the edges and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · titanium white · burnt umber · yellow ochre · cadmium red light
secondary · ivory black · ultramarine blue
Mix skin tones by combining white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of red. Use blue and black sparingly to create shadows and cool tones.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impasto
- ·alla prima
- ·scumbling
- ·color layering
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending the colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Getting the proportions of the facial features wrong.
- →Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
- →Using too much detail in the background.
- →Not varying the brushstrokes enough.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or mineral spirits
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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