plate no. 3885
Self-Portrait
Konstantinos Parthenis, 1899
some experience helpful
Recreating this portrait will help students practice value shading and capturing likeness using a limited color palette. It also provides an opportunity to explore expressive mark-making with pastels.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head, shoulders, and facial features.
- step 02
Establish the overall value range with light and dark areas using a mid-tone pastel.
- step 03
Define the darkest areas of the portrait, such as the eyes and shadows under the nose.
- step 04
Add highlights to the forehead, nose, and collar to create form.
- step 05
Refine the facial features, paying attention to proportions and angles.
- step 06
Develop the background with loose, expressive strokes.
- step 07
Soften edges and blend areas to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · sanguine pastel · white pastel
secondary · sepia pastel
Achieve mid-tones by layering and blending sanguine and white pastels. Use sepia sparingly for deeper shadows.
techniques
- ·value shading
- ·blending
- ·hatching
- ·cross-hatching
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending and losing definition
- →Incorrect proportions of facial features
- →Uneven application of pastel
- →Ignoring the background
materials
surface · Pastel paper or toned cardboard
required
- ·Sanguine pastel sticks
- ·White pastel sticks
- ·Sepia pastel sticks
- ·Pastel paper or cardboard
- ·Blending stump
- ·Kneaded eraser
optional
- ·Fixative spray
- ·Pastel pencils
- ·Chamois cloth
Choose a pastel paper with a slightly rough texture to grip the pastel. Toned paper can help establish the mid-tone value.
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