plate no. 2625

Self-Portrait in Blue Shirt, Seated, Drawing

Avigdor Arikha, 1986

oilContemporary Realismself-portraitportraitfigureself-portraitdrawingtableshirt

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and form through subtle value changes.

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, table, and background.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of neutral gray.
step 03
Begin layering in the darker values of the shirt and hair, paying attention to the direction of light.
step 04
Develop the skin tones by layering thin washes of color, focusing on the subtle transitions between light and shadow.
step 05
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using a small brush.
step 06
Refine the details of the hands and the drawing on the table.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · raw umber

Skin tones are achieved by mixing burnt sienna, yellow ochre, and white, with small amounts of blue or umber to adjust the temperature. The blue shirt is a mix of ultramarine blue and a touch of burnt umber.

techniques