plate no. 7092

Self-portrait

chalkRomanticismself-portraitportraitfigureself-portraitmalebeardhair

some experience helpful

Recreating this drawing will help students understand how to use a limited palette to create form and volume, and how to use hatching and cross-hatching to build up values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the overall shape and proportions of the head and shoulders using a light pencil or charcoal.
step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow with light strokes of the red chalk.
step 03
Build up the darker areas with denser hatching and cross-hatching, paying attention to the direction of the strokes to suggest form.
step 04
Use the white chalk to add highlights and refine the lighter areas.
step 05
Soften edges and blend areas where necessary using a blending stump or your finger.
step 06
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using short, precise strokes.
step 07
Refine the hair and beard, paying attention to the direction of the strands.
step 08
Add the faint sketch of the figure at the bottom.

color palette

primary · red chalk · white chalk

secondary · tan paper

The key is layering the red and white chalk on the toned paper to create subtle variations in value and tone. Avoid over-blending to maintain the sketch-like quality.

techniques

·hatching
·cross-hatching
·blending
·tonal drawing
·contour drawing

common pitfalls

→Over-blending, which can result in a muddy or flat appearance.
→Not paying attention to the direction of the strokes, which can make the form look unnatural.
→Using too much white chalk, which can make the highlights look harsh.
→Getting the proportions wrong in the initial sketch.

materials

surface · Toned paper

required

·Red chalk
·White chalk
·Tan toned paper
·Kneaded eraser
·Blending stump
·Fixative spray

optional

·Charcoal pencil
·Sandpaper block

Choose a medium-weight toned paper with a slightly textured surface. Test the chalks on a scrap piece of paper to get a feel for how they blend and layer.

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