plate no. 7837

Self-Portrait of the Painter with the Colosseum in the Background

oil, canvasMannerism (Late Renaissance)self-portraitportraitruinsarchitecturefigurelandscapebeard

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as architectural rendering and atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the portrait, Colosseum, and other figures.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for the skin tones, clothing, and background using thin washes.
step 03
Begin building up layers of color on the face, focusing on highlights and shadows to create form.
step 04
Develop the details of the beard and hair, using small brushstrokes to create texture.
step 05
Work on the Colosseum, paying attention to the perspective and the play of light and shadow on the ruins.
step 06
Add the figures in the background, simplifying their forms and using muted colors.
step 07
Refine the details of the clothing and the inscription at the bottom.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

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

secondary · raw sienna · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use umber and black for shadows and details. Create the Colosseum's color by mixing burnt umber, raw sienna, and white.

techniques