Self-portrait with fur cap by Otto Dix

plate no. 4379

Self-portrait with fur cap

oilExpressionismself-portraitportraitfurhatwintertreesfigure

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in impasto techniques and capturing texture using visible brushstrokes, as well as understanding how to create form with light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

4

brushwork visibility

5

value contrast

4

compositional simplicity

3

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, hat, and background.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber.
step 03
Block in the main color areas: skin tones, fur, background.
step 04
Begin building up texture in the fur hat and coat using thick impasto strokes.
step 05
Refine the facial features, paying attention to light and shadow.
step 06
Add details to the background, suggesting trees and foliage.
step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and value relationships.
step 08
Add final highlights and details.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · raw sienna

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, ultramarine blue, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and white to create the lighter tones in the fur.

techniques

·impasto
·dry brush
·scumbling
·broken color
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→Overblending the colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
→Failing to capture the texture of the fur.
→Ignoring the subtle value changes in the face.
→Getting lost in details too early.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·oil paints
·palette knife
·round brushes
·flat brushes
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·palette

optional

·painting medium
·varnish
·easel

Use a variety of brush sizes to create different textures. Consider using a palette knife for applying thick impasto strokes.

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