plate no. 3113

Self Portrait Undressed

Émilie Charmy, 1915

oilExpressionismself-portraitfigureself-portraitdressstockingsred backgroundindoor scene

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting helps students practice loose brushwork and capturing the essence of a figure with minimal detail. It also encourages exploration of color mixing to achieve subtle skin tones and fabric textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic figure proportions and pose lightly on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of red-brown paint.
step 03
Establish the main light and shadow areas on the figure with diluted washes of color.
step 04
Begin building up the figure's form with thicker paint, focusing on the planes of the face and body.
step 05
Add details to the dress, paying attention to the folds and highlights.
step 06
Define the stockings and shoes with dark, contrasting tones.
step 07
Refine the facial features and hair, using small brushstrokes.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall form and create a sense of depth.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt sienna · ivory black

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Mix white with small amounts of burnt sienna, yellow ochre, and ultramarine blue to create skin tones. Use varying amounts of black and blue to create the stockings. Mix red and burnt sienna for the background.

techniques