Guided Course: Illustrate a Face Using Chiaroscuro Technique
A guided course by Marco Mazzoni , Artist and Illustrator

Master chiaroscuro techniques and color layering to create expressive, depth-rich portraits using pencil and color harmony
Explore the transformative power of chiaroscuro in portrait illustration. Begin with a pencil-drawn portrait, then delve into the art of layering nuanced colors to amplify contrast, depth, and emotional resonance. By starting from a chiaroscuro base, you'll master the art of selecting a harmonious color palette using principles like the Itten Circle. Apply the first layer of color to infuse warmth and atmosphere, subtly enhancing the drawing's expressive quality.
Elevate your artwork by adding a second color layer, refining tonal transitions, and spotlighting key elements for a cohesive finish. Final touches include meticulous detail refinement, shadow adjustments, and highlight balancing to achieve a unified composition. Through this guided project, create a richly layered and emotionally engaging portrait that captivates the viewer. Embrace the journey of transforming a simple pencil drawing into a vibrant, soulful piece of art.
What will you learn in this online course?
8 lessons & 10 downloads
- 100% positive reviews (1)
- 133 students
- 8 lessons (40m)
- 10 additional resources (6 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: English, German, Spanish, Spanish (Latam), French, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Turkish
- Spanish · English · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
What is this course's project?
Create a richly layered pencil portrait that captivates with depth and emotion using chiaroscuro techniques. You'll master selecting harmonious colors, applying nuanced layers, refining tonal transitions, and balancing the composition for an expressive finish.
Who is this online course for?
Aspiring artists, illustrators, and creatives seeking to deepen their understanding of chiaroscuro will find value in exploring expressive portrait techniques. Those eager to enhance their color layering skills and emotional portrayal in art are ideal participants.
Requirements and materials
No extensive prior knowledge is required. Basic necessities include a set of pencils, quality drawing paper, an eraser, and a range of colored pencils. Familiarity with basic drawing techniques is beneficial, enabling you to explore chiaroscuro and color layering effectively.

Reviews

Marco Mazzoni
A guided course by Marco Mazzoni
Marco Mazzoni’s passion for drawing began at the age of five, when he would sketch on any piece of paper he could find while waiting for his father to finish work at the paper mill. Experimenting with the boundaries of fine art has been a passion of Marco’s since he was a student. His artwork tells a compelling story, drawing inspiration from Sardinian mysticism and the plants and animals he sketched as a child.
Marco’s recent achievements include working on an illustrated version of the Hans Christian Andersen classic Poucette for the French publishing house Albin Michel Jeunesse, where he takes the reader on a captivating journey through his use of color and texture. His work is also exhibited in galleries and museums across Europe and North America.
Content
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U1
Illustrate a Face Using Chiaroscuro
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Podcast: The Inner Face: The Portrait as Emotional Space
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Chiaroscuro (Black & White) - Theory
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Chiaroscuro (Black & White) - Practice
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Second Colour Base
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Itten Circle and Optional Choice of Colours
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Applying First Colour
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Applying Second Colour
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Applying Finishing Touches
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FP
Final project
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Guided Course: Illustrate a Face Using Chiaroscuro Technique
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What are Domestika's online courses?
Domestika courses are online classes that allow you to learn new skills and create incredible projects. All our courses include the opportunity to share your work with other students and/or teachers, creating an active learning community. We offer different formats:
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What do Domestika's guided courses include?
The guided courses are divided into different modules. Each one includes lessons, informational text, tasks, and practice exercises to help you carry out your project step by step, with additional complementary resources and downloads. You'll also have access to an exclusive forum where you can interact with other students, as well as share your work and your final project, creating a community around the guided courses.
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buen profesor, pero el curso es demasiado corto y no le da tiempo a explicar nada sobre el claro oscuro. además me gustaría que hiciera uno sobre la figura humana pintada con lápices de colores.