plate no. 8364

Self-portrait with Vitelozzo Vitelli

oilHigh Renaissanceself-portraitportraitfiguresmenheadwearhistorical

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in capturing likeness and using a limited palette to create depth and form. It also provides practice in replicating the texture and aged appearance of the original artwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Prepare the canvas with a textured gesso to mimic the aged surface.
step 02
Create a light sketch of the two figures, paying attention to proportions and placement.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color using thin washes of browns and blacks.
step 04
Build up the darker values in the clothing and hair, using thicker paint.
step 05
Add highlights to the faces and hair, using lighter shades of brown and beige.
step 06
Create texture by dabbing and stippling paint onto the surface.
step 07
Add details to the faces, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 08
Glaze with thin washes of color to unify the painting and create depth.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna

Mix burnt umber and ivory black for the dark tones. Use titanium white to lighten the browns for highlights. Add small amounts of yellow ochre or raw sienna to warm up the skin tones.

techniques

·dry brushing
·scumbling
·glazing
·portraiture
·value studies

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Creating colors that are too bright or saturated.
→Failing to capture the likeness of the figures.
→Not paying attention to the subtle variations in value.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic gesso
·burnt umber oil paint
·raw umber oil paint
·ivory black oil paint
·titanium white oil paint
·#4 round brush
·#6 flat brush

optional

·palette knife
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·retouch varnish

Applying a textured gesso will help to create the aged look of the original painting. Use a medium such as linseed oil to thin the oil paints and create glazes.

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