plate no. 5321
Self-Portrait in a White Smock
Lovis Corinth, 1918
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background elements.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the darkest and lightest areas with thin washes.
- step 03
Begin building up the form with thicker, more expressive brushstrokes, focusing on the planes of the face and body.
- step 04
Mix and apply the local colors, paying attention to the subtle shifts in hue and value.
- step 05
Refine the details of the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using smaller brushes.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and volume.
- step 07
Adjust the overall composition and color balance as needed.
- step 08
Add final details and refine edges to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · burnt sienna · ivory black
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining raw umber, yellow ochre, ivory black, and titanium white. Use burnt sienna to add warmth to the skin tones.
techniques
- ·alla prima
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brush
- ·impasto
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Getting bogged down in details too early.
- →Not paying attention to the subtle shifts in color and value.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a medium-grain canvas to allow for expressive brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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