plate no. 2546

John Jackson

oilRococoself-portraitportraitfiguremanpaletteclothingself-portrait

some experience helpful

This painting is a good exercise in portraiture, focusing on subtle value changes to create form. Students will learn to mix skin tones and create depth using a limited palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic proportions and pose of the figure using light pencil lines.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the background and clothing with a thin wash of dark brown.
step 03
Block in the mid-tones of the face and hands, paying attention to the overall shape and structure.
step 04
Begin layering lighter tones on the face to create highlights and define the features.
step 05
Refine the details of the eyes, nose, and mouth, using small brushstrokes and subtle value changes.
step 06
Add details to the clothing and palette, using a combination of broad strokes and fine lines.
step 07
Soften edges and blend transitions to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall contrast and realism.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red light

Mix skin tones by blending white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use raw umber and black for shadows, and add white to create highlights. Mix black and burnt sienna for the dark background.

techniques