plate no. 3890

Academy of Art student M. Zdanevich portrait

Alexander Bazhbeuk-Melikyan, 1949

oil, canvasRealismportraitportraitfigurehatshawlwoman

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering skin tones. It also offers practice in depicting fabric and creating a sense of depth through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch of the overall composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure.
step 02
Block in the main shapes with thin washes of color, establishing the basic values.
step 03
Begin building up the skin tones, using a limited palette and blending carefully.
step 04
Define the features of the face, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Add details to the hat and shawl, capturing the texture and folds of the fabric.
step 06
Refine the background, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of realism.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · ivory black · cadmium red light

Mix skin tones using a base of yellow ochre, white, and a touch of red. Use raw umber and black to create shadows and darker areas. Add small amounts of blue to neutralize colors.

techniques