plate no. 1375

Self-portrait in studio

oilSymbolismself-portraitself-portraitfigureartiststudiopaintinginterior

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly capturing likeness and rendering skin tones, as well as understanding complex interior spaces and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the main elements of the studio.
step 02
Establish the background with thin washes of color, building up layers of texture and detail.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the artist's face and clothing, paying attention to proportions and angles.
step 04
Begin to refine the facial features, focusing on capturing the likeness and expression.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 06
Work on the painting within the painting, using a looser brushstroke to differentiate it from the rest of the composition.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to the entire painting, paying attention to the overall balance and harmony.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ivory black · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, sienna, umber, and small amounts of red and yellow. Use thin washes of umber and black to create shadows and depth in the clothing and background.

techniques