Self Portrait -- Step 5

Painting

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Painting

Self Portrait: Step 5

An illustrated, step-by-step demonstration of a self-portrait painting.

Related Self Portrait Resources

• Self Portrait Demonstration
• Self Portrait Demo: Step 1
• Self Portrait Demo: Step 2
• Self Portrait Demo: Step 3
• Self Portrait Demo: Step 4
• Self Portrait Demo: Step 5
• Self Portrait Demo: Step 6
• Why Artists Should Paint Self Portraits
• Figure Painting Class: Face Proportions

In this stage I gave more form to the mouth – not by outlining the lips, but simply with a line indicating where the lips meet (never a straight line) and the shadow on the chin below the lower lip. Remember, not every feature needs to be defined in detail, just give enough information for your brain to interpret it.

I looked critically at the shape of the face, which was too square, so added shadow on both sides to get this more accurate. I also used raw umber to add shadow to the right-hand side of the nose (right as you look at the painting), to give it form.

At this stage I was extremely pleased with the lips, nose, chin, and shadows under the eyes. I needed to work on the forehead, which didn't reflect the shadow on it cast by the hair; the right eye, which was too broad and seemed to go all the way to the hair; the shadow and hair on the right-hand side of the face; and the hair on the top of the head, which needed to be made a bit darker.