plate no. 1034
Self-Portrait (in red overall)
Joan Miro, 1919
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify forms into geometric shapes and practice color blocking to create depth and dimension. It also provides an opportunity to explore stylized portraiture.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the geometric forms.
- step 02
Outline the main areas of color: background, face, shirt.
- step 03
Block in the background with a base layer of ochre/yellow, varying the tone slightly.
- step 04
Begin painting the face, using distinct blocks of color for highlights and shadows.
- step 05
Paint the red shirt, paying attention to the geometric folds and patterns.
- step 06
Add the black outlines and details to the shirt and buttons.
- step 07
Refine the details of the face, hair, and eyes.
- step 08
Add the small details and textures to the shirt pattern.
color palette
primary · red · ochre · flesh tones
secondary · black · brown · white
Mix flesh tones by combining white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Vary the red by adding small amounts of brown or black to create shadows.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·geometric simplification
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending the colors, losing the distinct geometric shapes.
- →Getting the proportions of the face wrong.
- →Making the red shirt too uniform in color.
- →Not achieving the right skin tone.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (various sizes)
- ·Flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Ochre
- ·Red paint
optional
- ·Medium (for oil paints)
- ·Varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils allow for more blending time.
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