plate no. 2229

Autorretrato joven

oilRealismself-portraitself-portraitartiststudiofigurepaletteinterior

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and creating realistic skin tones, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective and creating depth in an interior scene.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the proportions of the figure and the placement of key elements like the tables and window.
step 02
Establish the background with a thin wash of muted grays and blues, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, using a limited palette of dark browns and blacks to define the form.
step 04
Begin to refine the facial features, focusing on capturing the likeness of the artist and creating realistic skin tones.
step 05
Add details to the clothing and accessories, such as the scarf and palette, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and interest.
step 06
Paint the objects in the background, such as the paintings and sculptures, using a looser, more impressionistic style.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Achieve the muted tones by mixing black and white with small amounts of other colors. The skin tones are created by blending white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of umber.

techniques