plate no. 6683

Alexandra Feodorovna (Charlotte of Prussia)

oilAcademicismportraitportraitfiguredresslandscapeskycolumn

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric textures, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective in the background landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a preliminary sketch outlining the main shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
step 02
Block in the main color areas, starting with the background sky and landscape.
step 03
Establish the basic values and colors of the figure's skin tones, dress, and other details.
step 04
Refine the details of the face, paying close attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Develop the textures of the dress, fur, and other fabrics using layering and glazing techniques.
step 06
Add details to the background landscape, including the figures on horseback.
step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows throughout the painting to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final details and adjust colors as needed to achieve a cohesive and polished result.

color palette

primary · cadmium red · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber

Mix various shades of red by combining cadmium red with small amounts of ivory black or burnt umber. Achieve skin tones by mixing titanium white, yellow ochre, and a touch of cadmium red.

techniques