plate no. 1324

Self Portrait with Hat

Émilie Charmy, 1920

oilExpressionismself-portraitfigureportraithatdressclothingwoman

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and creating a sense of depth through layering and subtle color variations. It also offers practice in rendering fabric and clothing folds with loose brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, focusing on the head, shoulders, and overall pose.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of warm brown tones, varying the color slightly to create depth.
step 03
Establish the main areas of color for the figure, including the hat, face, dress, and cape, using broad brushstrokes.
step 04
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the placement of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Add details to the dress, including the polka dots and the belt, using smaller brushes.
step 06
Develop the shadows and highlights on the figure to create a sense of volume and form.
step 07
Add final touches and details, such as the highlights in the eyes and the texture of the fabric.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely and then apply a varnish to protect the surface.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light

Mix ultramarine blue and burnt sienna to achieve the dark blues and grays of the dress. Use titanium white to lighten the colors and create highlights. Mix small amounts of cadmium red light with white for the lips and cheeks.

techniques

·alla prima
·broken color
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive quality of the original.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure, resulting in a flat, lifeless painting.
→Using colors that are too saturated or intense, creating a jarring effect.
→Neglecting the importance of edges and transitions, resulting in a painting that lacks depth and atmosphere.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·oil paints (ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, titanium white, yellow ochre, cadmium red light)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·rags