plate no. 5353

Smoking Girl (Self-Portrait)

Tove Jansson, 1940

oilPost-Impressionismself-portraitportraitfigurewomansmokinghandhair

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in portraiture, focusing on skin tones and capturing a likeness with visible brushstrokes. Students can learn to mix colors effectively to create subtle variations in light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, neck, and hand.
step 02
Block in the background with a thin layer of turquoise.
step 03
Establish the main areas of color for the skin, hair, and clothing.
step 04
Begin building up layers of paint, focusing on the light and shadow on the face.
step 05
Add details to the hair, eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Refine the hand and cigarette, paying attention to the subtle gradations of color.
step 07
Adjust the colors and values throughout the painting to create a sense of harmony.
step 08
Add final details and highlights.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · cerulean blue

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · raw umber

Mix skin tones using white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use blue and white to create the turquoise background. Add small amounts of umber to darken colors.

techniques