plate no. 4761

Self-Portrait

Oswaldo Guayasamin, 1996

oilExpressionismself-portraitportraitfacemanexpressionself-portrait

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to use bold brushstrokes to define form and convey emotion, as well as how to simplify complex shapes into basic planes of color.

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, facial features, and hair.
step 02
Block in the background with a dark, neutral color.
step 03
Apply the darkest values to define the shadows and contours of the face.
step 04
Add the mid-tones, blending slightly where necessary to create smooth transitions.
step 05
Introduce the highlights, focusing on areas where light directly hits the face.
step 06
Refine the details of the eyes, nose, and mouth, paying attention to their unique shapes and proportions.
step 07
Add texture to the hair using short, choppy brushstrokes.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · ivory black

secondary · raw sienna · titanium white

Mix yellow ochre and burnt umber to create the skin tones. Use white to lighten the colors and black to darken them. Add small amounts of raw sienna for warmth.

techniques