plate no. 8235
Self-portrait with Rita
Thomas Hart Benton, 1922
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, portraiture, and creating smooth gradations in skin tones. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into stylized forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures and landscape.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors using thin washes of paint.
- step 03
Develop the skin tones by layering and blending different shades of ochre, sienna, and white.
- step 04
Define the details of the faces and clothing, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 05
Paint the background elements, such as the sky, sea, and rocks, using broad brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the edges and contours of the figures and objects to create a sense of depth and volume.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall realism and drama.
- step 08
Varnish the painting to protect it and enhance its colors.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · raw umber · cadmium red light · ivory black
Mix skin tones using yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and white, adding small amounts of red or blue to adjust the temperature. Create the sky by blending ultramarine blue and white, with touches of yellow ochre for the clouds.
techniques
- ·blending
- ·layering
- ·glazing
- ·color mixing
- ·figure drawing
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions of the figures.
- →Muddy or dull skin tones.
- →Overworking the details.
- →Inaccurate color mixing.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints (yellow ochre, burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, titanium white, raw umber, cadmium red light, ivory black)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer of paint to dry before applying the next.
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