plate no. 8779

Self Portrait with Crossed Arms

Oskar Kokoschka, 1923

oil, canvasExpressionismself-portraitportraitfiguremanclothingself-portraithands

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and capturing likeness through simplified forms and color.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, shoulders, and hands.
step 02
Block in the background with broad strokes of color, establishing the overall color scheme.
step 03
Apply a base layer of color to the face, using a mix of warm and cool tones to suggest form.
step 04
Define the features of the face with bold, expressive brushstrokes, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Paint the clothing with loose, gestural strokes, capturing the folds and textures of the fabric.
step 06
Add details to the hands, using a similar approach to the face, with bold strokes and simplified forms.
step 07
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, adjusting the tones to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

secondary · cadmium red · titanium white · viridian green

Mix various shades of blue by combining ultramarine with white or a touch of black. Achieve skin tones by blending yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and white, with small amounts of red or blue for subtle variations.

techniques