plate no. 0009
Alyonushka (study)
Viktor Vasnetsov, 1881
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly capturing emotion, and in rendering soft, atmospheric backgrounds with loose brushwork. It will also teach how to create depth using subtle value changes and color temperature.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the figure's pose, head, and the overall composition.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the skin tones, dress, and background foliage.
- step 03
Establish the basic values, focusing on the light and shadow patterns on the figure.
- step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the eyes and mouth.
- step 05
Develop the details of the dress, using broken brushstrokes to suggest texture.
- step 06
Add details to the background, using a variety of greens and browns to create depth.
- step 07
Introduce small details like the flowers and leaves in the foreground.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of atmosphere.
color palette
primary · raw umber · yellow ochre · titanium white · alizarin crimson
secondary · sap green · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna
Mix skin tones using yellow ochre, white, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Achieve the greens by mixing sap green with raw umber and yellow ochre. Darken colors with ultramarine blue or burnt sienna.
techniques
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
- ·glazing
- ·alla prima
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Creating overly sharp edges, which can flatten the image.
- →Failing to capture the subtle value changes in the skin tones.
- →Using too much detail in the background, which can distract from the figure.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·painting medium
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the overall color harmony.
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