plate no. 1359
Self-portrait with flowers
Mario Nuzzi, 1640
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students understand chiaroscuro and how to build form using light and shadow. It also provides practice in painting floral details and rendering human figures in a dark setting.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
5
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Prepare a canvas with a dark, warm underpainting (burnt umber or similar).
- step 02
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the floral arrangements.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow using a limited palette of earth tones and white.
- step 04
Start building up the forms of the figures, paying attention to the subtle gradations of light on the face and hands.
- step 05
Begin adding the floral details, working from dark to light and focusing on capturing the shapes and colors of the petals and leaves.
- step 06
Refine the details of the clothing and other elements, adding highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Adjust the overall values and color balance to create a sense of harmony and unity.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · cadmium red
secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black
Achieve the warm, muted tones by mixing earth colors with white and small amounts of red and yellow. Use black sparingly to deepen shadows.
techniques
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Losing the sense of atmosphere and depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·varnish
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A toned canvas will help to create a more unified and harmonious painting.
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