plate no. 7885
Autorretrato
some experience helpful
Recreating this sculpture in paint will help students understand form through light and shadow, and practice rendering texture with brushstrokes. It also provides practice in capturing likeness and portraying a three-dimensional object on a two-dimensional surface.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall proportions and pose of the bust.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and masses with a mid-tone value.
- step 03
Establish the darkest shadows and lightest highlights to create a sense of form.
- step 04
Develop the details of the face, paying attention to the subtle variations in value.
- step 05
Add texture to the clothing and hair using a variety of brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the edges and contours of the bust to create a sense of realism.
- step 07
Add the base and signature.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · titanium white · raw umber · ivory black
secondary · yellow ochre
Mix various shades of white and umber to create the range of values needed for the sculpture. Use yellow ochre sparingly to warm up the highlights.
techniques
- ·value study
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·rendering form
common pitfalls
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure early on.
- →Overworking the details before establishing the overall form.
- →Using too much paint and losing the texture.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in value and color.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·painting easel
A toned canvas (light gray or umber) can be helpful for establishing values quickly.
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