plate no. 7217
Self-Portrait with Still Life
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand cubist abstraction and how to simplify complex forms into geometric shapes. It will also develop skills in color blocking and creating depth through value contrast.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the geometric forms.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and largest shapes.
- step 03
Define the figure and chair with darker values and more precise edges.
- step 04
Add details to the still life on the table, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 05
Refine the edges and shapes, adjusting colors as needed to create depth and dimension.
- step 06
Add the pattern details on the bottom.
- step 07
Review the overall composition and make any final adjustments.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · black · titanium white · burnt umber
secondary · cerulean blue · cadmium red · sap green
Mix various shades of grey by combining black and white. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber to create warm browns. Mix cerulean blue with white to create the light blue background.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·value shading
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes
- →Using too many colors
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure
- →Losing the geometric abstraction
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
A medium-sized canvas (16x20 inches) is recommended. Acrylic paints are easier to work with for beginners, while oil paints offer richer colors and blending capabilities.
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