plate no. 9854
Self-Portrait with One Red Ear
suitable for beginners
Recreating this drawing will help students develop skills in portrait sketching, proportion, and subtle shading techniques. The limited color palette simplifies the process, allowing focus on form and line work.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 4 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the overall head shape and proportions.
- step 02
Establish the basic facial features (eyes, nose, mouth) using light lines.
- step 03
Refine the shapes of the features, paying attention to their placement and size relative to each other.
- step 04
Add details to the hair, using short, curved strokes to indicate texture.
- step 05
Use hatching and cross-hatching to create shadows and volume on the face.
- step 06
Carefully render the ear with light pencil strokes.
- step 07
Apply a thin wash of red or pink to the ear, keeping the color subtle.
- step 08
Review and adjust the drawing, making any necessary corrections to proportions or shading.
color palette
primary · graphite · pink
secondary · none
Mix a very diluted red or pink to create a subtle tint for the ear.
techniques
- ·contour drawing
- ·hatching
- ·cross-hatching
- ·light washes
- ·proportion
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect proportions can significantly alter the likeness.
- →Overworking the shading can make the drawing look muddy.
- →Applying too much color to the ear can detract from the overall subtlety.
- →Failing to capture the subtle nuances of the facial expression.
materials
surface · sketch paper
required
- ·sketch paper
- ·graphite pencils (HB, 2B)
- ·eraser
- ·pink watercolor or colored pencil
optional
- ·kneaded eraser
- ·blending stump
- ·ruler
Use a smooth paper for easier blending. A range of pencils allows for varied tonal values.
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