plate no. 4028

Self-portrait

Vajda Lajos, 1936

oilExpressionismself-portraitfigureportraitself-portraitplanthair

suitable for beginners

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplified figure drawing and working with a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive artwork. Students will also learn to create subtle texture with small details.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure, plant, and hair, focusing on proportions and composition.
step 02
Apply a base layer of the background color, a warm yellow-ochre.
step 03
Mix a brown tone for the skin and hair, and apply it to the appropriate areas.
step 04
Add the darker outlines to define the features and hair.
step 05
Paint the dress with a dark blue-grey tone.
step 06
Add small white dots to the dress for texture.
step 07
Paint the plant with a light brown color, outlining the leaves.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · payne's grey

secondary · titanium white

Mix the skin tone by blending burnt umber with a touch of yellow ochre and white. The dress color can be achieved by mixing payne's grey with a small amount of burnt umber.

techniques