plate no. 8014

Self-portrait

Rafael Zabaleta, 1956

oil, canvasExpressionismself-portraitportraitself-portraitfigurebackground paintingjacketshirt

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing for skin tones, and creating depth through layering and contrasting values. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the portrait, including the head, shoulders, and background elements.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for the skin, jacket, shirt, and background, using thin washes of color.
step 03
Develop the skin tones by layering different shades of orange, yellow, and brown, paying attention to the light and shadow areas.
step 04
Define the features of the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using darker values to create depth and dimension.
step 05
Add details to the jacket and shirt, such as the folds and wrinkles, using a combination of light and shadow.
step 06
Paint the background painting, focusing on the simplified shapes and colors of the landscape.
step 07
Refine the overall composition by adjusting the values and colors as needed, and adding any final details.
step 08
Add the artist's signature in the lower left corner.

color palette

primary · orange · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · olive green · cerulean blue · cadmium red

Mix skin tones by blending orange, yellow ochre, burnt umber, and white. Achieve the jacket color by mixing yellow ochre with a touch of burnt umber and olive green. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques