plate no. 0315

Self Portrait

Vasiliy Ryabchenko, 1984

canvas, oilExpressionismself-portraitfigureportraitself-portraitchairindoorclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and use color temperature to create form and shadow. It will also help with understanding how to create a likeness with simplified brushstrokes.

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 and proportions of the figure and chair.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Establish the light and shadow patterns on the face and clothing using distinct color temperatures.
step 04
Refine the shapes and edges, paying attention to the contours of the figure.
step 05
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using small brushstrokes.
step 06
Develop the background and chair with loose, expressive brushstrokes.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition and color harmony.

color palette

primary · red ochre · titanium white · viridian green · raw umber

secondary · cadmium yellow · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of skin tones by combining red ochre, white, and small amounts of green and yellow. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create neutral grays for shadows.

techniques

·blocking in
·color temperature
·broken color
·scumbling
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→Over-blending colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
→Getting bogged down in details too early.
→Ignoring the overall value structure.
→Not paying attention to the color temperature of light and shadow.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Oil paints (red ochre, titanium white, viridian green, raw umber, cadmium yellow, ultramarine blue)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (flat and round)
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Linseed oil
·Palette knife