plate no. 6540

Self Portrait

oilBaroqueself-portraitportraitfiguremanclothinghairface

some experience helpful

Recreating this portrait will help students develop skills in rendering form with value and understanding how to create subtle gradations in tone. It's a good exercise in capturing likeness and understanding facial proportions.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the basic proportions and pose of the figure.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the portrait, such as the clothing and shadows on the face.
step 03
Begin to fill in the mid-tones, paying attention to the direction of light.
step 04
Add highlights to the face, hair, and collar to create contrast and depth.
step 05
Refine the details of the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 06
Work on the hair, using short, curved strokes to create texture and volume.
step 07
Adjust the values throughout the portrait to create a sense of balance and harmony.
step 08
Add final details and touch-ups to complete the portrait.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · raw umber

Mix varying amounts of black and white to create a full range of grays. Add a touch of raw umber for warmth if desired.

techniques

·value shading
·hatching
·cross-hatching
·blending
·portrait drawing

common pitfalls

→Failing to establish a strong value range, resulting in a flat or muddy portrait.
→Overworking the details, leading to a stiff or unnatural appearance.
→Incorrect proportions, resulting in a distorted likeness.
→Ignoring the direction of light, leading to inconsistent shadows and highlights.