plate no. 2506

Self-Portrait

oilNeoclassicismself-portraitportraitfiguremanclothingdraperytable

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as blending techniques for creating smooth skin tones and subtle gradations in fabric.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the main areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
step 03
Focus on accurately capturing the likeness of the subject, paying close attention to the angles and distances between facial features.
step 04
Build up the skin tones gradually, using subtle layers of color and careful blending to create a smooth, realistic effect.
step 05
Define the details of the clothing and drapery, paying attention to the way the fabric folds and drapes.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension in the painting.
step 07
Refine the details of the hands and other objects on the table.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a harmonious and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Achieve the skin tones by mixing white with small amounts of burnt sienna, yellow ochre, and cadmium red light. Create the dark clothing with ivory black, raw umber, and a touch of ultramarine blue.

techniques