Self-portrait with a white face

approach — 8 steps

color palette

primary · black · red · white · ochre

secondary · gray · brown · yellow

Mix skin tones by combining white, ochre, and small amounts of red and brown. Achieve the dark background by mixing black with touches of blue or brown. Vary the red by adding small amounts of black or yellow.

techniques

• ·alla prima
• ·dry brush
• ·scumbling
• ·color mixing
• ·portrait sketching

common pitfalls

• →Over-blending the colors, resulting in a flat and lifeless appearance.
• →Getting the proportions of the face wrong.
• →Using too much detail in the background.
• →Not creating enough contrast between the light and shadow.