plate no. 5644

Self-portrait

oilRomanticismself-portraitportraitfigureself-portraitmaleclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portrait proportions, skin tone mixing, and creating subtle gradations of light and shadow. It also provides practice in capturing a likeness and conveying a sense of depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, shoulders, and collar.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the main areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin layering skin tones, focusing on the subtle transitions between light and shadow on the face.
step 04
Refine the features of the face, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 05
Paint the hair, using short, directional brushstrokes to suggest texture and form.
step 06
Add details to the collar and clothing, using darker values to create contrast and definition.
step 07
Adjust the background to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · ivory black

Skin tones are achieved by mixing varying proportions of white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, and cadmium red. Use ultramarine blue and ivory black sparingly to create cooler shadows and subtle variations in color.

techniques

·blending
·layering
·scumbling
·glazing
·portrait drawing

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions wrong, especially in the face.
→Overworking the skin tones and creating a muddy effect.
→Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
→Ignoring the subtle transitions between light and shadow.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·oil paints (titanium white, yellow ochre, burnt umber, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, ivory black)
·palette
·assorted brushes (round and flat, sizes 2-8)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·palette knife
·rags or paper towels