Portraits Task 1

 Recreating Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait — A Modern Homage

When we think of expressive brushwork, intense emotion, and a turbulent life translated into powerful art, the name Vincent van Gogh immediately comes to mind. For one of my portrait assignments, I decided to recreate a modern version of one of Van Gogh’s iconic self-portraits — not only as a tribute to his work but also as a way to better understand the art of lighting, expression, and character in portraiture.

About the Original Painting




The painting that inspired my recreation is one of Van Gogh’s most well-known self-portraits, easily recognizable by his piercing gaze, reddish beard, and formal coat. While Van Gogh created over 30 self-portraits during his lifetime, each one carried a different mood and style. The version I referenced is known for its expressive use of short, dotted strokes — resembling pointillism — which gives the painting an almost vibrating texture. It's a vivid portrayal of his inner world and emotional state, achieved through bold colors and textured brushwork.

A Glimpse Into Van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh was a Dutch post-impressionist painter whose work had a far-reaching influence on 20th-century art. He lived a life filled with passion, isolation, and emotional struggle, producing more than 2,000 artworks in just over a decade. Although his work wasn’t widely recognized during his lifetime, today he is celebrated as one of the most influential figures in Western art. Van Gogh’s unique approach to color, movement, and emotion transformed simple subjects into deeply moving pieces.

The Recreation Process

To recreate this portrait, I focused on capturing the essence of Van Gogh's original work while adding a photographic and modern touch. I began by selecting a subject and dressing him in clothing that closely resembled the original outfit from the painting — formal, textured, and somewhat vintage in feel.

I set up a white backdrop to keep the environment clean and neutral, similar to the subtle tones behind Van Gogh in his painting. For lighting, I used the Rembrandt lighting technique, a classic portrait lighting setup known for its soft contrast and signature triangle of light on the cheek. I carefully positioned my flashlights to shape the face and bring out the same intensity in the eyes that Van Gogh conveyed with brushstrokes.

The entire shoot was captured using my Sony a6700, which allowed me to control the details, depth, and color tones to closely match the mood of the original painting. While the brushstrokes were replaced by pixels, I aimed to retain the same sense of depth and contemplation through composition and lighting.



This recreation was not just about copying a look — it was about stepping into the world of Van Gogh, studying the emotion behind his gaze, and translating it into a photographic language. Through this process, I not only learned about portraiture techniques but also developed a deeper appreciation for how artists use subtle elements to communicate powerful stories.

Editing









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