A simple, easy-to-follow guide to (vaguely) re-creating one of Van Gogh’s self portraits.

I made this painting about 10 years ago to demonstrate to some workshop students an approximation of Van Gogh’s working method. I made my painting before the workshop, photographing it at each stage, then supplying students with printed, illustrated step-by-step guides for the workshop.

It wasn’t my intention to make a replica –  I used standard modern materials: 50 x 40 cm canvas board and Daler-Rowney Georgian oils. I relied on a reproduction of the painting, mindful of the inconsistencies in the photographic/printing system.

I didn’t want to spend too long working on this piece, as I wanted students to be able to complete their own versions over a full workshop day or perhaps a few afternoon classes. Hence, I limited myself to around 6 hours in which to complete my painting.

Van Gogh’s original was made in oils on 65 x 54.5 cm canvas in September 1889. It is now in the collection of the wonderful Musée d’Orsay in Paris. I have been fortunate enough to have seen it a couple of times, albeit with a gap of over 20 years in between the 2 visits. Having said that, I was a great deal more reliant on the colours in reproductions than my unreliable recollection of the colours in the original.

Select page 2 below for the first stage!