plate no. 1737
Selfportrait
Nina Tokhtaman Valetova, 2010
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing, smooth blending, and creating abstract representations of recognizable forms. It's also a good exercise in simplifying complex subjects into basic shapes and colors.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic outline of the face and the wave-like patterns.
- step 02
Divide the composition into distinct color zones based on the original painting.
- step 03
Begin by applying the lightest colors (yellows) in their respective zones.
- step 04
Gradually add the mid-tones (greens) and blend them smoothly with the yellows.
- step 05
Introduce the darker colors (reds and browns), carefully blending the edges.
- step 06
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the subtle value changes.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to enhance the overall effect.
- step 08
Let dry and add a varnish coat for protection.
color palette
primary · yellow · green · red
secondary · brown · black · skin tone
Achieve the various shades of green by mixing yellow and green. Create skin tones by mixing yellow, red, and a touch of brown. Use black sparingly to deepen shadows.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·smooth blending
- ·layering
- ·value control
- ·contour shading
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending colors and losing definition
- →Using too much black and muddying the colors
- →Ignoring the underlying structure of the face
- →Not planning the color zones properly
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic gesso
- ·acrylic paints (yellow, green, red, brown, black, white)
- ·assorted paint brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., linseed oil)
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality acrylic paints for better color saturation and blending. Apply gesso to the canvas for a smooth painting surface.
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