plate no. 6086

Boris Kustodiev

Andrey Allakhverdov, 2017

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigureartistinteriorcityscapepainting

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and creating realistic skin tones, as well as understanding and applying expressive brushwork techniques. Students will also learn to manage a complex composition with multiple focal points.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and major elements.
step 02
Establish the background with broad strokes, indicating the colors and values of the wall, cityscape, and furniture.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures, paying attention to the light and shadow patterns on their skin and clothing.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features of both figures, focusing on capturing their individual expressions and likenesses.
step 05
Develop the details of the clothing, hair, and other elements, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest.
step 06
Work on the artist's palette and the still life elements on the table, paying attention to color mixing and light reflection.
step 07
Refine the background details, adding depth and atmosphere to the cityscape and interior.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to bring the painting to life, ensuring a cohesive and expressive overall effect.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · viridian green · raw sienna

Achieve skin tones by mixing white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of blue or umber. Create the greens for the background and cityscape by mixing blue and yellow, adjusting the proportions for different shades.

techniques