plate no. 0366

Self-Portrait

Kexin Di, 2017

oilContemporary Realismself-portraitportraitfigureself-portraitfaceprofilehead

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering form with subtle value changes. It also provides practice in creating a moody atmosphere through limited color palette and soft brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Prepare a canvas with a neutral ground (e.g., burnt umber wash).
step 02
Lightly sketch the basic proportions and placement of the head and shoulders.
step 03
Establish the darkest values in the background and hair using a dark brown or black.
step 04
Block in the mid-tones of the skin using a mix of browns, reds, and yellows.
step 05
Refine the form of the face by layering lighter values on the highlights and darker values in the shadows.
step 06
Pay close attention to the subtle transitions between light and shadow to create a realistic effect.
step 07
Add details to the eyes, nose, and mouth, using small brushes and precise strokes.
step 08
Soften edges and blend transitions where needed to create a cohesive and atmospheric effect.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · ivory black

Achieve skin tones by mixing burnt umber, raw sienna, and titanium white, adding small amounts of cadmium red for warmth. Use ivory black to darken values and create shadows.

techniques

·value study
·blending
·layering
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Over-blending, which can result in a flat, lifeless appearance.
→Incorrect proportions, which can distort the likeness of the subject.
→Ignoring subtle value changes, which can flatten the form.
→Using too much detail too early, which can make it difficult to adjust the overall composition.