plate no. 1618

Self Portrait

oil, canvasClassicismself-portraitportraitfiguremanpaintingbackgroundclothing

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of skin tones, as well as understanding of chiaroscuro and creating depth with subtle value changes.

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 to establish the overall composition and proportions of the figure and background elements.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the large shapes and values.
step 03
Refine the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow on the face.
step 04
Develop the details of the clothing and hair, using layering and blending techniques.
step 05
Add details to the background paintings and the inscription.
step 06
Refine the edges and transitions between colors to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 07
Add highlights and final details to the face and hands.
step 08
Review and adjust the overall balance of the painting.

color palette

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

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, burnt sienna, and a touch of yellow ochre and red. Use ivory black and raw umber for dark areas, gradually lightening with white for highlights.

techniques