Self-Portrait

The self-portrait is one of the oldest exercises in art — Dürer, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Kahlo all returned to it throughout their careers. It is always available, free, and patient as a subject. The goal is not flattery but honest, careful looking. Use a mirror, a photograph, or both. This project is meant to take the full two weeks.

Study These Works

1. Set up your mirror or photo at eye level with good consistent lighting — a single lamp to one side creates clear shadows that make the face much easier to read and draw.

2. Map your proportion guidelines first as practiced in the previous project. Measure carefully — is your eye placement truly at the midpoint? Is the nose that far down? Trust measurements over instinct.

3. Sketch all major shapes loosely first before any detail: overall head shape, eye placement, nose, mouth, hairline, jaw. Get the map right before committing. Erase freely at this stage.

4. Work on the eyes first once proportions are in place. Observe the specific shape of your eyelids, the tilt of your eyes, the relationship between iris and white. Eyes establish the personality of the portrait.

5. Add shading using your Unit 1 value skills. Find your lightest point (forehead near the light) and darkest point (under the brow ridge, under the nose, in the hair). Build all values between these anchors.

6. Compare to your reference constantly. Where is likeness breaking down? It's usually a proportion error that has accumulated — a nose slightly too wide, eyes slightly too close. Correct as you notice them.