plate no. 3475
Self-portrait
Eduard Isabekyan, 1944
some experience helpful
This painting provides practice in capturing likeness and form using a limited palette. Students will develop skills in layering paint and creating subtle value changes to model the face and clothing.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic proportions and placement of the figure on the canvas.
- step 02
Establish the background color with a thin wash of neutral tones.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the face, hair, and clothing using simplified color masses.
- step 04
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the subtle shifts in value and color.
- step 05
Develop the details of the hair, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to the clothing to create form.
- step 07
Blend edges and soften transitions as needed.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values to complete the portrait.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · burnt sienna
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten the values and blue to cool the tones.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the subtle shifts in color temperature.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·easel
Use a canvas with a smooth weave for best results. Consider toning the canvas with a thin wash of raw umber before beginning.
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