Studies in portraiture

By Gillian Valladares Castellino

Traditionally, artists have learnt their craft by copying the works of the masters. In order to improve my drawing skills and understanding of portraiture, I have copied photos of sketches, engravings, etchings and sculptures from a number of sources. The results are:

The facial proportions of children differ from those of adults:

Using light and shadow to outline an image - the technique of chiaroscuro:

Experiments with colour, styles and strokes:

Study of an old man's head - based on the work of Giovanni Battista Piazzetta (1682 - 1754):

Copy of an engraving by Israhel van Meckenem the younger (1440 - 1502):

Copy of a sculpture in wood by Tilman Riemenschneider (c1460 -1531):

Copy of a sandstone sculpture by Nicolaus Gerhaert (1462-72):

Copy of a self-portrait by Kathe Kollwitz (1867 - 1945):

Copy of a portrait by Jackob Jordaens (1593 - 1678):

Copy of a portrait by Henri Fuseli (1741 - 1825):

Copy of a portrait by Henri Gaudier-Brzeska (1891 - 1915):

Copy of a portrait by Francesco Salviati (1510 - 1563) at the Victoria and Albert Museum

A study of wavy hair on a marble sculpture:

A copy of a drawing by Michaelangelo:

Anatomical study of a woman: