plate no. 6559

Self-Portrait with Hyacinth in a Pot

Lucian Freud, 1948

oil, canvasSurrealismself-portraitfigureportraitplantflowerstill lifebackground

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in accurate proportion, subtle value transitions, and creating a sense of depth using limited color. It also encourages careful observation of form and detail.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, flower, and pot.
step 02
Establish the background color with a thin, even wash.
step 03
Begin blocking in the major shadow areas on the face, clothing, pot, and flower.
step 04
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the subtle shifts in value.
step 05
Develop the details of the hair, using short, controlled strokes.
step 06
Add details to the flower and pot, focusing on the light and shadow.
step 07
Define the edges and contours of the forms to create a sense of depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the realism.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · raw umber · sap green

The skin tones are achieved by mixing white, black, and a touch of yellow ochre. The greens are muted by adding raw umber. The background is a mix of yellow ochre and white.

techniques