plate no. 2612
Self Portrait with a Friend
Raphael, 1518
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones. It also provides practice in depicting drapery and creating a sense of depth through subtle value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Create a preliminary sketch to establish the composition and proportions of the figures.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using a limited palette of earth tones.
- step 03
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
- step 04
Develop the drapery, focusing on the folds and textures of the clothing.
- step 05
Gradually build up the color and detail, using thin layers of paint.
- step 06
Pay attention to the subtle transitions between light and shadow to create a sense of depth.
- step 07
Add highlights and details to the faces and clothing.
- step 08
Refine the background and blend the edges to create a cohesive composition.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light
Achieve skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use burnt umber and black for dark shadows and clothing.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·glazing
- ·blending
- ·underpainting
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions of the figures.
- →Overly harsh or abrupt transitions between light and shadow.
- →Lack of attention to detail in the facial features.
- →Flat or lifeless skin tones.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to create a warmer base.
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