This week, i’ve worked again on a self-portrait. I painted one a few weeks ago (here), a bit dull. But with practice, i’ve made some progress with this new version !
I tend to prefer painting my self-portraits from a reference image. It’s easier to work with a picture already in two dimensions, who doesn’t move and with the same light. But i hope to be able one day to paint one from a living model, i just need more practice ! So here you have my two preparatory sketches.
I start with a sketch on toned paper which allows me to identified easily the darkest and lightest areas. And then i realize an other sketch on a regular white paper at the final size. Once i’m satisfied with it, i just have to report it on my watercolor paper. With this technique, i avoid tearing my watercolor paper with the use of an eraser.
Self-portrait in watercolor – video
So I finally dare to put more color in a portrait and i think it’s quite successful ! The warm-cold and shadow-light contrasts add life to the painting. And this lavander color creates very interesting shadows ! And i have successfully painted my glasses, with the right shape and good proportion. The trick is to not forget that glasses are just a rectangle and they follow the same rules of perspective than anything else. It sounds easy, but trust me, it’s worth to say it !
Supplies :
Brushes : Escoda Aquario nº18, Raphaël 803 nº2.
Paper : Canson Héritage rough
Colors : Neutral tint (Winsor & Newton), Lavander (Daniel Smith), Ultramarine blue (Daniel Smith), Permanent alizarine crimson (Daniel Smith), Winsor red (Winsor & Newton), Verona gold ochre (Daniel Smith), Burnt sienna (Schmincke), White gouache (Winsor & Newton).
And here you have the finished painting along with some details (click to enlarge) :
