plate no. 2451
Self-portrait
Charles Jacque, 1862
some experience helpful
Recreating this portrait will help students develop skills in hatching, cross-hatching, and rendering form with tonal values. It also encourages careful observation of facial features and light.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head, shoulders, and facial features.
- step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the portrait with dense hatching.
- step 03
Begin layering hatching to build up mid-tones, paying attention to the direction of light.
- step 04
Use cross-hatching to create darker values and define forms.
- step 05
Soften edges and blend tones by layering more hatching.
- step 06
Add finer details to the face, such as wrinkles and hair texture.
- step 07
Refine the background with subtle hatching to create depth.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and details to achieve a cohesive portrait.
color palette
primary · sepia · ivory black
secondary · raw umber
Vary the intensity of the sepia by diluting with water or mixing with small amounts of black to create different tonal values.
techniques
- ·hatching
- ·cross-hatching
- ·value gradation
- ·contour drawing
- ·rendering form
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the hatching and creating a muddy effect.
- →Failing to establish a clear light source.
- →Inaccurate proportions of facial features.
- →Uneven distribution of values.
materials
surface · drawing paper
required
- ·drawing paper
- ·graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B)
- ·kneaded eraser
- ·ruler
- ·pencil sharpener
- ·tortillon
optional
- ·charcoal pencil
- ·fixative spray
Use a smooth paper for easier blending. A variety of pencils will help achieve a full range of values.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
