plate no. 3339
Self-Portrait, Nude Torso
Avigdor Arikha, 2002
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in subtle color mixing for skin tones and capturing form with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in portraiture and representing the human figure.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, torso, and shoulders.
- step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of grey.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow on the skin using a limited palette of warm and cool tones.
- step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 05
Add details to the hair, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 06
Paint the glasses, focusing on capturing the reflections and transparency.
- step 07
Refine the transitions between light and shadow, blending where necessary but preserving visible brushstrokes.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · titanium white · raw umber · cadmium red light
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre
Mix various shades of skin tone using white, umber, and a touch of red. Use blue and yellow to create cooler shadows. The background is a mix of white, umber, and blue.
techniques
- ·color mixing
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
- ·portraiture
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending the skin tones, resulting in a flat, lifeless appearance.
- →Incorrect proportions of the figure.
- →Failing to capture the subtle variations in color and value.
- →Getting lost in details too early.
- →Ignoring the importance of the background tone.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use good quality oil paints for best results. A medium-sized canvas (e.g., 16x20 inches) is recommended.
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