plate no. 1652

Self-Portrait

oil, canvasNeoclassicismself-portraitportraitdogfigureclothingscarfbackground

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding how to depict fabric and textures.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figure and dog.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Develop the background with subtle variations in tone and color.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to light and shadow.
step 05
Work on the clothing, focusing on the striped pattern and folds.
step 06
Develop the dog's fur and features, capturing its expression.
step 07
Add details such as the scarf and any highlights.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the painting and add depth.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium red · ivory black

Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, cadmium red, and a touch of ultramarine blue. Darken values with burnt umber and ivory black. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber for the dark background.

techniques