plate no. 4525
Self Portrait
Teodor Axentowicz, 1907
some experience helpful
Recreating this portrait will help students develop skills in capturing likeness and using value to define form. It also offers practice in creating texture with visible brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head and shoulders, paying attention to proportions.
- step 02
Establish the main light and shadow areas with a thin wash of diluted brown paint.
- step 03
Begin building up darker values in the hair, beard, and facial features using short, directional strokes.
- step 04
Add lighter values to the skin, blending slightly to create a smooth transition.
- step 05
Refine the details of the eyes, nose, and mouth, using a smaller brush.
- step 06
Create texture in the background by dabbing and stippling paint.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create depth.
- step 08
Let dry and consider a thin glaze to unify the tones.
color palette
primary · raw umber · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre
Mix raw umber and burnt umber to create various shades of brown. Add titanium white to lighten the tones and yellow ochre for subtle warmth.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·value shading
- ·blending
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details early on.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
- →Ignoring the direction of light and shadow.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a canvas with a slightly textured surface to enhance the effect of the brushstrokes. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the painting process.
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