plate no. 7234

Self-portrait as a Female Martyr

oilBaroqueself-portraitfigureportraitdraperyheadscarfleafself-portrait

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and subtle value gradations for realistic skin tones, as well as drapery rendering.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, shoulders, and drapery.
step 02
Establish the main light and shadow areas using a mid-tone wash.
step 03
Begin building up the skin tones with thin layers of paint, focusing on subtle value changes.
step 04
Define the features of the face, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Work on the drapery, creating folds and highlights to give it volume and texture.
step 06
Paint the headscarf, capturing its color and form.
step 07
Add the leaf, paying attention to its shape and color.
step 08
Refine the details and blend the edges to create a smooth, polished finish.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ivory black

Mix skin tones by blending white, raw umber, and a touch of cadmium red. Use ultramarine blue mixed with white for the headscarf. Create variations in the drapery by adding small amounts of yellow ochre or burnt sienna to the red.

techniques