plate no. 0622

Portrait of John Everett Millais

oilRealismself-portraitportraitfiguremanhairclothingoval

some experience helpful

Recreating this portrait will help students practice layering colors with dry media and capturing likeness through careful observation of proportions and values. It also encourages expressive mark-making to convey texture and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the oval shape of the portrait and the basic proportions of the head and shoulders.
step 02
Refine the sketch, paying close attention to the angles and curves of the facial features.
step 03
Begin layering light values using a light grey or brown pastel or pencil to establish the overall form.
step 04
Gradually build up darker values in the shadows, using a darker grey, brown, or black.
step 05
Introduce color, starting with the hair and clothing. Use light, overlapping strokes to blend colors.
step 06
Focus on capturing the subtle variations in skin tone, using pinks, yellows, and browns.
step 07
Add details such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, paying close attention to their shape and placement.
step 08
Refine the edges and add final touches to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · ivory black · white · Prussian blue

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre · violet

Mix skin tones by blending white with small amounts of burnt umber, cadmium red light, and yellow ochre. Use Prussian blue and violet to create the color of the shirt. Mix burnt umber and cadmium red light for the hair.

techniques