plate no. 3896

Self Portrait

Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz, 1924

oilExpressionismself-portraitportraitfiguresmokeshadowfaceself-portrait

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in dramatic lighting and shadow rendering, as well as capturing likeness and expression in portraiture. It also provides practice in creating atmospheric effects with smoke.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head, shoulders, and background elements.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the background and clothing with a dark brown or black.
step 03
Block in the mid-tones on the face, paying attention to the planes and angles.
step 04
Add highlights to the face, hair, and clothing, using lighter shades of brown, red, and white.
step 05
Refine the facial features, focusing on the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Paint the smoke using thin, wispy strokes of white and gray.
step 07
Add details to the background elements, such as the red and green shapes.
step 08
Adjust values and refine edges to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ivory black · sap green · ultramarine blue

Mix burnt umber and ivory black for the dark background and shadows. Use cadmium red mixed with burnt umber and white for the skin tones. Mix ultramarine blue and white for the smoke.

techniques