plate no. 2231

Self-Portrait with Gladioli

oilSymbolismself-portraitportraitfigurerobeflowerspipehand

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding how to depict fabric folds and textures with brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure and flowers.
step 02
Block in the background with a dark, neutral color.
step 03
Establish the main shapes of the figure and robe with broad strokes of color.
step 04
Begin layering colors to define the form of the face, paying attention to highlights and shadows.
step 05
Develop the details of the robe, using varied brushstrokes to create texture and folds.
step 06
Paint the flowers, focusing on capturing their delicate forms and subtle color variations.
step 07
Add details such as the pipe, hands, and facial hair.
step 08
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · purple · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix various shades of brown and red for the robe. Use white and small amounts of red, yellow, and blue to create skin tones. Achieve the dark background by mixing black with burnt umber.

techniques