plate no. 3045
Self Portrait
Félix Del Marle, 1913
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand geometric abstraction and how to simplify complex forms into basic shapes. It also provides practice in value shading to create depth and form.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the overall composition, focusing on the major geometric shapes.
- step 02
Divide the portrait into distinct planes and angles, simplifying the facial features and clothing.
- step 03
Establish the darkest values first, using a consistent hatching or cross-hatching technique.
- step 04
Gradually build up the mid-tones, paying attention to the direction of light and shadow.
- step 05
Refine the edges of the shapes, adding subtle variations in value to create depth.
- step 06
Add details like the eye and hat band, keeping them simple and geometric.
- step 07
Review the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments to the values and shapes.
- step 08
Add final details and clean up any stray marks.
color palette
primary · sepia · ivory black
secondary · raw umber · titanium white
Mix sepia and ivory black for the darkest values. Use raw umber and titanium white to create lighter shades and highlights.
techniques
- ·hatching
- ·cross-hatching
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·value shading
- ·linear perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes
- →Inconsistent value shading
- →Ignoring the direction of light
- →Not establishing a strong focal point
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
- ·graphite pencil
- ·eraser
- ·watercolor paper
- ·sepia ink
- ·fine liner brush
- ·ruler
optional
- ·drawing board
- ·masking tape
- ·watercolor pencils
Use a smooth watercolor paper for best results. Practice hatching and cross-hatching on a separate sheet before starting the final drawing.
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