plate no. 6596

Self-portrait

oilExpressionismself-portraitportraitself-portraitmanfaceshadowhead

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand the use of light and shadow to define form and practice simplifying complex shapes into basic planes. It also provides practice in capturing a likeness and expressing emotion through subtle variations in tone and brushwork.

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, paying attention to proportions and the placement of features.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the dark and light areas with thin washes of paint.
step 03
Focus on the strong light source and how it creates dramatic shadows across the face.
step 04
Begin to refine the shapes and values, adding more detail to the features and hair.
step 05
Use thicker paint and more visible brushstrokes to add texture and interest to the painting.
step 06
Pay close attention to the edges of the shapes, softening some and sharpening others to create a sense of depth.
step 07
Add subtle color variations to the skin tones to create a more realistic and nuanced portrait.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and details to achieve a cohesive and expressive portrait.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of gray by combining white and black, then add small amounts of umber or sienna to warm or cool the tones. Use yellow ochre sparingly to create subtle highlights on the skin.

techniques