plate no. 0591

Self Portrait

Theo van Doesburg, 1911

oil, canvasFauvismself-portraitportraitfiguremanself-portraitface

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to use bold brushstrokes and color to create form and shadow. It also provides practice in capturing a likeness and expressing emotion through portraiture.

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 and proportions of the face and shoulders.
step 02
Block in the background with a solid layer of blue.
step 03
Establish the main areas of light and shadow on the face using broad strokes of color.
step 04
Mix and apply the various skin tones, paying attention to the color variations in the highlights and shadows.
step 05
Define the features of the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, with more precise brushstrokes.
step 06
Add details to the hair and clothing, using darker colors to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the edges of the forms and blend the colors as needed.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

secondary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · viridian

Mix white with blue and crimson for the cooler skin tones. Use yellow and crimson to create warmer tones. Add umber to darken colors and create shadows.

techniques