plate no. 6470
Self-Portrait I
Francis Bacon, 1972
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and capturing mood through color and value. It emphasizes the importance of understanding facial structure while allowing for abstract interpretation.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
5
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Prepare a canvas with a dark underpainting (e.g., burnt umber or black).
- step 02
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the face, focusing on proportions.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow using thin washes of color.
- step 04
Begin building up layers of paint, using loose, expressive brushstrokes.
- step 05
Focus on capturing the highlights and shadows to define the form.
- step 06
Use contrasting colors to create visual interest and depth.
- step 07
Refine the details of the face, paying attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · titanium white · burnt umber · ultramarine blue
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ivory black
Mix white with small amounts of blue and umber for cool highlights. Use red and umber for warm shadows. Black is used sparingly to deepen shadows.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·scumbling
- ·color layering
- ·expressive brushwork
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the loose, expressive feel.
- →Using too much black, which can flatten the image.
- →Failing to capture the correct proportions of the face.
- →Not creating enough contrast between light and shadow.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic gesso
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
A toned canvas will help establish the dark background and create a cohesive feel. Use high-quality oil paints for best results.
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