plate no. 1802

Self-portrait at 16

oilRealismself-portraitportraitfigureartistpalettebrushespainting

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, color mixing for skin tones, and rendering realistic textures. It also provides practice in depicting light and shadow to create form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the main shapes and proportions of the figure, canvas, and palette.
step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of muted yellow-brown.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the skin, clothing, and hair, focusing on accurate value relationships.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the subtle shifts in color and value.
step 05
Develop the details of the hair, using small brushstrokes to create texture and volume.
step 06
Paint the clothing, focusing on the folds and shadows to create a sense of depth.
step 07
Add the details of the palette, brushes, and canvas, paying attention to their textures and colors.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and colors as needed to create a cohesive and realistic image.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · ivory black · raw sienna

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use small amounts of blue and umber to create shadows and cool tones. Muted colors are key; avoid bright, saturated hues.

techniques