plate no. 3435

Small Self-Portrait

Otto Dix, 1913

oilExpressionismself-portraitportraitfigurefacehairmanself-portrait

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good exercise in capturing likeness using expressive brushstrokes and a limited color palette. Students will learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and focus on value relationships.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic proportions and placement of the head and facial features.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar neutral tone.
step 03
Block in the major color areas: skin tones, hair, clothing, and background.
step 04
Begin to build up the form with thicker paint and visible brushstrokes, focusing on light and shadow.
step 05
Mix and apply subtle color variations to create depth and realism in the skin tones.
step 06
Add details to the eyes, nose, and mouth, paying close attention to their shape and placement.
step 07
Refine the edges and contours of the face and hair.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · raw sienna

secondary · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Skin tones are achieved by mixing burnt umber, raw sienna, and titanium white, with small amounts of cadmium red for warmth and ultramarine blue for cool shadows. Hair is a mix of burnt umber and ultramarine blue, lightened with white.

techniques

·alla prima
·broken color
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·color mixing

common pitfalls

→Getting bogged down in details too early.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Over-blending the colors, resulting in a muddy effect.
→Ignoring the importance of edges and contours.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (12x16 or similar)
·oil paints (burnt umber, titanium white, raw sienna, cadmium red light, ultramarine blue)
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil or other painting medium
·palette knife
·odorless mineral spirits or turpentine
·rags