plate no. 5296

Self-Portrait Holding a Portrait of Her Sister

pastelRococoself-portraitportraitself-portraitfigureclothinglacepastel

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including accurate proportions and rendering of skin tones, as well as the ability to create soft, blended effects with pastels.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the main shapes and proportions of the figure and the portrait within the portrait.
step 02
Establish the background with soft, blended pastel strokes, working from dark to light.
step 03
Begin layering skin tones on the face, using light pressure and blending to create smooth transitions.
step 04
Define the features of the face, paying attention to the subtle variations in value and color.
step 05
Block in the basic shapes of the clothing, focusing on the highlights and shadows to create form.
step 06
Add details to the lace and hair, using sharp pastel pencils to create fine lines and textures.
step 07
Work on the portrait within the portrait, mirroring the techniques used for the main figure.
step 08
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed to create a cohesive and harmonious image.