plate no. 8455

Self portrait with red flower wreath and chain

Paula Modersohn-Becker, 1907

oilExpressionismself-portraitportraitfigureheadwearnecklacefemale

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing for skin tones, and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. It also encourages observation of subtle color variations in a limited palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the head, shoulders, and features using light pencil lines.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of dark green-blue paint.
step 03
Establish the main skin tone with a base layer of yellow and white, adding touches of red for warmth.
step 04
Build up the facial features, paying attention to the subtle shifts in color and value.
step 05
Paint the red flower wreath and necklace, focusing on the texture and form of the individual elements.
step 06
Refine the details of the eyes, nose, and mouth, adding highlights and shadows.
step 07
Add final touches to the hair, using short, directional brushstrokes.
step 08
Review the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments to the colors and values.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

Mix white with yellow ochre and a touch of red to create the base skin tone. Add small amounts of red or blue to create variations in the skin. Use burnt umber and blue to create the background.

techniques