plate no. 2001
Self Portrait with Fruit
Rita Angus, 1961
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering watercolor washes and rendering subtle tonal variations to create form. It also provides practice in composing a complex scene with multiple elements.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
2
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, including the portrait, fruit, flowers, and background elements.
- step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted color to the entire painting surface, establishing the overall color tone.
- step 03
Begin layering washes of color to define the shadows and forms of the portrait, starting with the lightest areas.
- step 04
Gradually build up the darker values in the portrait, paying attention to the subtle transitions between light and shadow.
- step 05
Paint the fruit and flowers, using similar layering techniques to create depth and dimension.
- step 06
Add details to the background elements, such as the garden, building, and painting, using a smaller brush.
- step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values as needed to create a cohesive and balanced composition.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the realism and depth of the painting.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · raw sienna · alizarin crimson
secondary · sap green · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre
Mix cerulean blue with raw sienna to create the muted greens and blues of the background. Use alizarin crimson and raw sienna for the skin tones, adjusting the ratio for highlights and shadows.
techniques
- ·watercolor washes
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the washes, leading to muddy colors.
- →Not allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure, resulting in a flat or dimensionless painting.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations within each object, leading to a lack of realism.
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
- ·watercolor paints
- ·watercolor brushes (round and flat)
- ·watercolor paper (140lb)
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·pencil
- ·eraser
- ·masking tape
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·masking fluid
- ·kneaded eraser
Use high-quality watercolor paints and paper for best results. Experiment with different brush sizes and shapes to achieve various effects.
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