plate no. 8047
Self-Portrait
Jean-Francois Millet, 1846
some experience helpful
Recreating this portrait will help students develop skills in rendering form with value and creating texture with chalk or charcoal. It emphasizes understanding light and shadow to define the subject's features.
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 overall shape and proportions of the head and shoulders.
- step 02
Establish the main light and shadow areas with broad strokes.
- step 03
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the angles and planes of the face.
- step 04
Add details to the hair and beard, using short, broken strokes to create texture.
- step 05
Soften edges and blend values to create a sense of depth and form.
- step 06
Add highlights to the hair, beard, and face to create contrast.
- step 07
Refine the background with light chalk or charcoal.
- step 08
Add the signature at the bottom.
color palette
primary · black chalk · yellow ochre
secondary · white chalk
Vary pressure to achieve different values of black and yellow ochre. Use white chalk sparingly for highlights.
techniques
- ·hatching
- ·cross-hatching
- ·blending
- ·value shading
- ·rendering texture
common pitfalls
- →Overworking details too early
- →Failing to establish a full range of values
- →Ignoring the underlying structure of the face
- →Not blending properly
materials
surface · Toned drawing paper
required
- ·Drawing paper (toned)
- ·Black chalk
- ·White chalk
- ·Kneaded eraser
- ·Blending stump
- ·Fixative spray
optional
- ·Charcoal pencils
- ·Chamois cloth
A slightly textured paper will help to create a more interesting effect.
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