plate no. 6947

Self-portrait in a Convex Mirror

oil, panelMannerism (Late Renaissance)self-portraitfigureportraitself-portraitclothinghandmirror

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones, as well as understanding the effects of light and shadow on form. Students will also learn about creating the illusion of depth and reflection.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch of the composition, paying close attention to proportions and the placement of the figure within the circular frame.
step 02
Establish the background with broad, blended strokes of muted grays and browns.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, focusing on the overall form and proportions.
step 04
Begin layering skin tones, using subtle variations of color to create depth and dimension.
step 05
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using small, precise brushstrokes.
step 06
Paint the clothing, paying attention to the folds and textures of the fabric.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of volume and form.
step 08
Refine the details and make any necessary adjustments to the composition.

color palette

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

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light

Mix skin tones using white, raw umber, burnt sienna, and a touch of red. Create shadows by adding black or burnt umber to the skin tone mixture. Achieve the dark tones of the clothing by mixing black with a touch of brown.

techniques

·portraiture
·blending
·glazing
·chiaroscuro
·rendering

common pitfalls

→Incorrect proportions can distort the likeness of the figure.
→Over-blending can result in a flat, lifeless appearance.
→Ignoring the subtle variations in skin tone can make the portrait look unnatural.
→Failing to capture the effects of light and shadow can flatten the form.