plate no. 9525

Self-Portrait with Wife

Frantisek Kupka, 1908

oilImpressionismself-portraitfiguresportraitinteriorclothingcouplelandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, capturing likeness and mood, and in using expressive brushstrokes to define form and texture. It will also help them understand how to mix subtle color variations to create depth and dimension.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figures and background.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in the main areas of color with thin washes.
step 03
Begin building up the forms with thicker paint, focusing on capturing the light and shadows.
step 04
Pay close attention to the facial features, using subtle color variations to create depth and expression.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing and background, using expressive brushstrokes to add texture and interest.
step 06
Refine the edges and details, paying attention to the overall balance and harmony of the composition.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and dimension.
step 08
Let dry and varnish.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

secondary · viridian · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber. Use viridian and ultramarine to create the greens and blues in the background. Mix red and umber for darker browns.

techniques