plate no. 0280

Self-portrait

canvas, oilBaroqueportraitportraitfigurebookpaletteartistwriting

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and capturing likeness, as well as understanding value relationships to create form and depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the main shapes: head, body, book, and palette.
step 02
Block in the background with a dark, neutral color.
step 03
Establish the main value ranges for the face, hands, and book.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying attention to light and shadow.
step 05
Develop the details of the hands and the book, including the pages and writing.
step 06
Add details to the clothing, collar, and cuffs, capturing the folds and textures.
step 07
Paint the palette and brushes, focusing on color variations and highlights.
step 08
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and details as needed.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red light

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining black, umber, white, and ochre. Use small amounts of red and sienna to add warmth to the skin tones.

techniques